Faced with a generation of fatter and older drivers, engineers in America are building supersized crash test dummies.
The current design of crash test dummy dates from the early 1970s and was modelled on the weight of a man on the 50th percentile. Since then, the average driver has become notably older and heavier.
The new supersized crash test dummy has gained 48 kg (7 stone 7 lbs) over its predecessor to weigh in at 123 kg (18 stone 5 lbs) and is now an accurate representation of the average male driver in America.
A study conducted by the University of California, published in 2013, found obese drivers are up to 78 per cent more likely to die in car crashes. According to Michigan trauma surgeon Stewart Wang: “The typical patient today is overweight or obese — they’re the rule rather than the exception.”
In head-on crashes, obese drivers have a tendency to slide under the seat belt. As a result, they are more likely to suffer injuries to their lower-extremities that are more severe. Furthermore, their obesity presents challenges during treatment and recovery.
The researchers hope the new generation of crash test dummy will help car designers make cars safer for overweight drivers.
Ethical insurance
The ETA has been voted the most ethical insurance company in Britain for the second year running by the Good Shopping Guide.
Beating household-name insurance companies such as John Lewis and the Co-op, the ETA earned an ethical company index score of 89.
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Twenty six years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance, travel insurance and breakdown cover while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
Mary Fisher
Both the men in the video are overweight!