Gender Bias in Car Crash Safety and the Call for Change
In 2019, a tragic car accident involving a wrong-way driver dramatically impacted my family. This incident resulted in severe injuries for my daughter and me, while my husband and son suffered broken bones. Our seatbelts and airbags, meant to protect, instead caused severe harm to us. This raised a question: why did these safety measures protect my husband and son but endanger my daughter and me?
After the crash, I came across a Consumer Reports story that revealed our injuries were not mere coincidences. Data shows that women face a 17% higher risk of death in accidents compared to men, and a 73% higher risk of serious injury. Working for a think tank focused on public problems, I believed a solution could be found, especially since it already existed. A company had developed ‘biofidelic’ crash test dummies that reflect the anatomical differences between men and women.
The evolution of crash test dummies began with female dummies that were essentially male dummies in disguise. Today’s biofidelic models accurately represent 95% of the female population, accounting for anatomical differences that affect safety. Men benefit from stronger neck muscles, better airbag protection, and safety features designed for their body types. Women, often ‘out of position,’ face increased risks, such as internal injuries from seatbelts and spinal fractures.
Until 2011, female dummies were not required in crash tests. Presently, American car manufacturers do not use biofidelic female dummies, as ratings can still be high without them. In frustration, I reached out to a high-ranking figure in the Biden administration, hoping to highlight this data problem. Despite having connections, the administration prioritized environmental goals, inadvertently risking women’s safety.
I also engaged with Department of Transportation officials, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s deputy head. Their crash test ratings rely on outdated dummies representing the 1970s-era American male. Their female dummy reflects only 5% of women, ignoring the diverse population. This oversight questioned the validity of crash test ratings. They argued cost concerns prevented testing with female dummies, while investing in automatic braking technology remained the focus.
The Trump administration’s Transportation Department released a statement supporting biofidelic dummies. However, change requires mandatory regulations, not just acknowledgment. Meanwhile, the bipartisan She DRIVES Act seeks to address this issue, introduced in multiple congressional sessions.
No family expects such tragedies, especially if they stem from avoidable biases in safety data. Bureaucratic delays and avoidance persist, shaking my trust in governmental interests. This is not the innovative America once revered. Currently, U.S. road death rates approximate those of India, with even Mexico and Sierra Leone faring better, highlighting a significant safety concern.
Hana Schank, a journalist, technologist, and policy strategist, once worked within the Obama administration’s digital team and led New America’s Public Interest Technology team.