Crash-test dummies are used to test the safety of vehicles. Nearly all of them weigh about 170 pounds. Today, nearly 35% of American adults are obese.
So what happens when those dummies no longer reflect the bodies of the general public? You make different crash-test dummies.
The world's leading crash-test dummy maker, Humanetics, developed a new, obese crash-test dummy. The dummy is 273 pounds with a Body Mass Index of 35.
Humanetics CEO, Chris O'Connor, says obese people are 78% more likely to be killed in a car crash. The new dummy's purpose is to research the larger injury dangers drivers face because of their girth.
"They can look at how do we take the total combination of safety restraints, seat belts, seat retractors, the airbag itself and what can we change in that to make is safer for a larger occupant," O'Connor said.
But all this doesn't mean the obese crash test dummy will be used right away. Dummies cost up to half a million dollars each, and they can last for decades. GM is still using a dummy from the 60's.
Obese crash test dummies are not the only changes to the standard. This year Humanetics will also release a line for the elderly. And GM is focusing on petite women because they tend to sit closer to the steering wheel.
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