Despite decades of automotive safety advancements, a new study by DeMayo Law reveals that women remain at a significantly higher risk of injury and death in car accidents — largely due to outdated crash testing methods that fail to account for diverse body types.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,514 people died in U.S. car crashes in the past year, with an additional 2.3 million injured, one every 12 seconds. While men account for the majority of fatalities, women are far more likely to sustain serious injuries when crashes occur.
The Safety Gap Between Men and Women
The analysis highlights stark disparities:
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Women are three times more likely than men to suffer moderate injuries such as broken bones.
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Women are twice as likely to experience traumatic brain injuries.
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Women wearing seatbelts are 73% more likely to be seriously injured in a frontal collision and 17% more likely to die than men.
“These numbers should alarm every driver,” said a spokesperson for DeMayo Law Offices. “Vehicle safety has historically been designed around the male body, leaving women at greater risk of serious harm in everyday crashes.”
Crash Test Dummies: Stuck in the Past
Crash test dummies have been the cornerstone of automotive safety since the 1970s. But their design has not kept pace with real-world drivers:
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The “standard male dummy” represents a man who is 5’9” and 171 pounds — dimensions that fail to account for taller, heavier, or differently proportioned drivers.
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A “female dummy” was introduced only in 2003 and is used in just two of eight crash scenarios.
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That dummy is not based on the female body at all — it is simply a scaled-down male model, standing 4’11” and weighing 108 pounds.
Meanwhile, average body sizes have changed significantly. Since 1960, average male weight has increased from 166 pounds to 191 pounds, while women’s average weight has grown from 140 pounds to 164 pounds. Obese occupants face a 54–61% higher risk of injury than median-weight occupants — a fact ignored by current testing.
Other vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities, are also excluded from crash test protocols.
The Injuries Women Suffer More Often
DeMayo’s study identified the top 10 injuries disproportionately affecting women in car accidents:
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Whiplash – 83% more likely
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Leg fractures/ligament tears – 79.7%
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Arm fractures/nerve damage – 58.2%
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Neck injuries – 44.7%
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Abdominal organ damage – 38.5%
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Chest injuries – 24.5%
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Head trauma – 22.1%
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Pelvic fractures – 18%
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Ankle injuries – 12%
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Spine injuries – 5%
“These injuries are not just statistics — they are lives changed forever,” the DeMayo spokesperson added. “Better testing standards would directly translate into fewer women suffering debilitating outcomes after crashes.”
Signs of Progress — But More Work Needed
Some steps toward reform are underway:
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In 2024, Senator Deb Fischer (NE) introduced a bill to mandate the use of updated female crash dummies, a move projected to save 1,300 lives annually.
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Automakers like Volvo, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz are experimenting with virtual female crash models.
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Swedish researchers have developed a physical female dummy that better represents women’s body dimensions — but adoption has been slow.
Currently, among the top-selling car brands in the U.S., only Toyota incorporates a female crash dummy into testing — and only virtually.
What Drivers Can Do Now
Until regulators and manufacturers close the safety gap, women can take proactive steps to protect themselves:
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Select vehicles with top safety ratings and advanced crash prevention technology.
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Adjust seats and headrests correctly to reduce whiplash risk.
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Avoid sitting too close to the steering wheel and airbags.
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Maintain an upright posture and always wear a seatbelt.
A Call for Inclusive Safety Standards
“Crash tests that don’t account for women, larger bodies, or pregnant drivers are simply inadequate,” the spokesperson said. “Safety standards must evolve to reflect the reality of who is on America’s roads today. Every life matters, and every body deserves protection.”
About the Study
The study drew on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), historical health data, and international crash testing research. It analyzed gender disparities in crash outcomes, changes in body size over time, and the shortcomings of current crash test technology.