Crash test dummies need to gain as much as 100Ibs, experts believe, in order for them to more accurately reflect the average American. As a sign of the times, the dummies, originally developed in the 1970s, no longer reflect the average body size.
“The typical patient today is overweight or obese – they’re the rule rather than the exception.”
Dr. Stewart Wang
Dr. Stewart Wang, Director of the University of Michigan International Center for Automotive Medicine has been conducted research in this area. He said in a statement that “The typical patient today is overweight or obese – they’re the rule rather than the exception.”.
The new crash test dummies include a 273-pound dummy – which is more than 100 pounds heavier than those typically used in today’s tests.
“The condition, size and shape of an individual is hugely important in how severe their injuries are in any given crash.”
Dr. Stewart Wang
The new prototype has a body mass index of 29, and individual chest structures have increased in size depending on age. According to Wang, chest structures change between the ages of 20 to 80. With more and more people driving into their 80s, the older population has to be reflected too.
The new dummies are designed to be more reflective of modern America and today’s consumers. The accuracy of car safety testing is dependent upon having an accurate reflection of today’s consumers.