by Research by Austrian scientists has shown that women have a 60% higher risk of sustaining injuries in car accidents compared to men. This occurs even though women are more often involved in less serious collisions at lower speeds.
Why are women more vulnerable?
Experts from Graz University of Technology analyzed accident data from Austria between 2012 and 2024. They recreated real crashes using crash tests and virtual models of the human body. The results showed that women are significantly more likely to suffer serious injuries to the chest, spine, arms, and legs. Older women are at the greatest risk.
The main reason lies in the fact that for decades, car safety standards have been based on the “average” male body. Even the traditional female crash test dummy was simply a scaled-down version of the male dummy, representing a very small woman. According to the study, 95% of women are actually larger than this reference dummy.
New crash test dummy
The situation is beginning to change. Last year, the U.S. government officially introduced the THOR-05F dummy. This is a much more advanced female model, developed based on realistic female anatomy rather than just a scaled-down male dummy. It is equipped with advanced sensors and improved biomechanics, allowing for better measurement of the female body’s response during collisions.
The Austrian researchers emphasize that such changes are absolutely necessary, as women are not just smaller men. Differences in pelvic structure, chest shape, shoulder geometry, and spinal mobility can drastically affect the consequences of injuries during accidents.
Seating position as a key factor
The TU Graz study also identified seating position as an important factor. Front passengers often lean back or sit further from the steering wheel than drivers, which reduces the effectiveness of airbags and seat belts. Women also take the passenger seat more often, increasing the impact of these risks.
Innovative safety systems
Fortunately, car manufacturers are already responding to this issue by creating smarter safety systems. The new Volvo EX60 is equipped with a multi-adaptive seat belt system that can track the size, posture, and seating position of the passenger, as well as the severity of the accident, in real time. The system automatically adjusts belt tension, potentially reducing injuries for smaller passengers while improving protection for larger ones.
This is a huge step forward compared to traditional seat belts, which usually only operate with a few fixed settings. Combined with more realistic crash tests, this could finally help modern cars catch up to the level of safety required for all the people riding in cars today.
This data underscores that automotive safety must be inclusive and account for the diversity of human bodies. The introduction of new dummies and adaptive technologies, like those in Volvo, is a critical step in eliminating the historical imbalance. Further research and updates to crash tests will likely lead to even more personalized safety systems capable of protecting every passenger regardless of gender, age, or body type.
