One of the biggest crash test dummy producers is upgrading the size of its dummies, another harsh reality of the rapidly growing obesity epidemic in the United States.
Before those sleek vehicles are displayed in showrooms and travel country roads, they first undergo a quality control method called a crash test. Engineers use it to help determine the level of safety their vehicles provide to drivers and passengers upon impact during a crash. Although in the end it is still possible that there will be death, car manufacturers want to make sure that it's not because of a faulty vehicle.
To conduct crash tests, they make use of dummies that look and feel like a typical person. Humanetics, one of the most popular and largest creators of crash test dummies, creates models that are about 167 pounds and with a good BMI.
However, because more U.S. drivers are becoming overweight or morbidly obese, they also have to change their dummy designs. Currently they are working on models that already have a BMI of 35 and weigh more than 270 pounds.
The idea may sound offensive to some, but the goal is to make sure that the tests reflect the effects of impact on passengers and drivers accurately, thus the need for a similar-bodied dummy model.
What makes it even more significant is the result of studies that suggests obese people are more than 15% at risk of dying in a car accident than those with healthy weight.
According to the CEO of the company Chris O'Connor, obese people, especially those who develop central obesity (more fat in the abdomen), are more than likely to be out of place in their vehicle's seat. He further added that the safety belt may not be able to grasp the pelvic area conveniently and secure the body properly.
Aside from bigger crash test dummies, the company is also creating prototypes that are reflective of senior drivers.
