Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released design specifications for the THOR-05F, the first advanced crash test dummy built to represent average adult females.
- The model includes more than 150 sensors and captures roughly three times the injury measurements of legacy dummies, enabling assessment of brain, thorax, abdominal, pelvic and lower-leg risks.
- Automakers can now purchase and test the device, while incorporation into federal safety ratings and compliance testing awaits a final rule projected around 2027–2028.
- Studies cited by officials and advocates report women have 73% greater odds of serious injury in frontal crashes and a 17% higher fatality risk than men in comparable scenarios.
- Lawmakers from both parties praised the move, and some automakers voiced skepticism that the new measurements could overstate injury risk or alter evaluations of seat belts and airbags.