The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently introduced a groundbreaking female crash test dummy named the THOR-05F, aimed at addressing women’s higher injury rates in vehicle accidents.
At a press conference, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy presented the THOR-05F as a pioneering innovation designed to enhance safety for women. He highlighted the importance of recognizing biological differences between men and women in vehicle safety testing. This represents a significant shift from the previous Hybrid III dummy, which has been in use for 45 years but did not adequately reflect these critical differences.
Duffy emphasized that the new dummy is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to biological truth, reinforcing the understanding that there are two sexes—male and female. This approach aligns with the values of the Trump administration, which continues to promote policies that safeguard women’s rights based on biological realities.
The newly designed THOR-05F is equipped with 150 sensors that measure impacts and risks more accurately. Unlike its predecessor, the THOR model assesses not only skull fractures but also risks of brain injuries and facial fractures. This more advanced model considers the unique anatomical features of women, leading to better understanding and prevention of injuries.
Humanetics, the company behind the dummy, revealed that female drivers face a nearly 80% higher risk of leg injuries compared to their male counterparts. In response to these findings, the THOR-05F features a flexible spine and neck, which can simulate a variety of human postures, enhancing the realism of crash tests.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Jonathan Morrison, recognizing how women are different in car crashes is essential for improving safety standards and reducing fatalities. He noted that developing this advanced dummy took longer than anticipated, but it was crucial to get it right.
A recent study from the University of Virginia highlighted that women are significantly more likely to suffer serious injuries in head-on collisions. This reinforces the need for improved testing models that accurately represent female anatomy for safer vehicles.
As the NHTSA plans to incorporate the THOR-05F into federal safety standards, this development marks a promising step forward in ensuring that vehicle safety measures are inclusive and effective for all drivers.
