New Heavier Crash-Test Dummies Reflect Obesity Trend
- 9 years ago
A new model of crash-test dummies are 100 pounds heavier than the previous decades-old model.
Crash-test dummies were invented to help save lives, but in order to do that now, they have to gain 100 pounds.
The dummies are used by car manufacturers in crash simulations that test the safety standards of their vehicles.
In order to keep up with the times, Humanetics Innovative Solutions, the only American producer of the dummies, is introducing a plus size version.
The new dummy weighs 273 pounds and has a Body Mass Index of 35. By comparison, the older model weighs around 170 pounds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 70% of American are either overweight or obese, and according to the CEO of Humanetics, obese people are 78% more likely to die when involved in a car accident.
Along with the dummy's weight gain, how the pounds are distributed is also different. To better reflect the average American, the weight is reflective in the midsection, thighs and butt.
Current safety features, such a seat belts and air bags, are designed for slimmer people, and therefore don't protect heavier passengers as well.
The new models cost around $500,000 each, and are said to last forever.
It will begin trial runs by the end of 2014 and Humanetics hopes to put them into widespread use in 2015
Crash-test dummies were invented to help save lives, but in order to do that now, they have to gain 100 pounds.
The dummies are used by car manufacturers in crash simulations that test the safety standards of their vehicles.
In order to keep up with the times, Humanetics Innovative Solutions, the only American producer of the dummies, is introducing a plus size version.
The new dummy weighs 273 pounds and has a Body Mass Index of 35. By comparison, the older model weighs around 170 pounds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 70% of American are either overweight or obese, and according to the CEO of Humanetics, obese people are 78% more likely to die when involved in a car accident.
Along with the dummy's weight gain, how the pounds are distributed is also different. To better reflect the average American, the weight is reflective in the midsection, thighs and butt.
Current safety features, such a seat belts and air bags, are designed for slimmer people, and therefore don't protect heavier passengers as well.
The new models cost around $500,000 each, and are said to last forever.
It will begin trial runs by the end of 2014 and Humanetics hopes to put them into widespread use in 2015