Congress Takes Steps to Address Gender Disparities in Vehicle Safety Testing

USA, When it comes to car safety, not all passengers are treated equally. A recent NBC News investigation highlights a critical gap in vehicle safety testing: crash test dummies and evaluation protocols have historically been designed around the average male body, leaving women at greater risk of injury or death in collisions. Now, lawmakers are pushing for change.

For decades, federal vehicle safety standards have relied on crash test dummies modeled after male physiology, even though women’s bodies—smaller in stature, with differences in muscle distribution and bone density are disproportionately affected in crashes. Studies show women are 17-73% more likely than men to sustain serious injuries in similar collisions, often due to seat belts and airbags optimized for male body types.

Congress is advancing bipartisan legislation to mandate updated safety testing that accounts for these disparities. Proposed measures include requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use female-representative crash test dummies in front and rear seats during evaluations, as well as collecting more data on injury patterns across genders. Advocates argue this could lead to design changes in vehicles, such as adjustable seat belts or improved airbag placement, to better protect all passengers.

This effort isn’t just about equity it’s about saving lives. With women making up nearly half of all drivers and passengers, closing this safety gap could prevent countless injuries. The push has garnered support from safety advocates, medical professionals, and organizations focused on gender equity in public health.

While automakers have acknowledged the need for more inclusive testing, implementing these changes will require time and investment. For now, the bipartisan momentum in Congress signals a long-overdue shift toward prioritizing women’s safety in an industry historically slow to adapt.

read the full NBC News article here.