According to recent research from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria, women are more likely to sustain injuries in car accidents than men.
The study indicates that women involved in the same crash as men are 60% more likely to be injured.
“Our analysis shows that women are disproportionately injured, particularly in the chest, spine, arms, and legs,” stated project coordinator Dr. Corina Krug.
Dr. Klug and her team analyzed data from approximately 2,000 traffic accidents in Austria between 2012 and 2024.
Using advanced virtual human models and computer simulations, they reconstructed individual accidents to compare the effects on male and female bodies during crashes.
The findings revealed that women over 50 are at a heightened risk of injury.
Moreover, women are more than twice as likely as men to suffer serious injuries or fatal outcomes in low-speed accidents.
“In our study, women and men were involved in identical crashes and in the same vehicle, so the differences weren’t due to vehicle type, crash speed, or crash mode,” Klug stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“While the presence of more female passengers contributes to the discrepancy, it does not entirely explain it.”
The increased risk seems to arise from differences in body proportions and weight distribution between genders, she noted.
This highlights a critical issue in vehicle safety design, which has historically favored male body types.
Manufacturers typically use crash test dummies modeled after average American males from the 1970s: 175 cm tall and 78 kg.
While some female models are used, they often represent smaller versions of male dummies, failing to adequately reflect the anatomy of most women.
“Women are not little men,” Klug emphasized. “Standard petite female models often cannot accurately replicate accident scenarios.”
As a result, although vehicle designs prioritize safety for male bodies, women continue to face significant risks.
To address this issue, researchers recommend developing female crash test dummies that better reflect average female anatomy, including a wider pelvis and larger chest.
They also advocate for using virtual crash models to enhance vehicle safety assessments based on various body sizes and seating positions.
In the meantime, there are several ways car users can improve their safety. It all starts with proper seating positioning.
“We’ve all seen passenger seats pushed too far back or reclined,” Klug explains. “However, airbags and seat belts may not perform effectively in these non-standard positions.”
Research shows that passengers are at greater risk in a car compared to drivers, especially if the seat is inclined excessively.
Co-author Dr. Felix Lessi, also from Graz University of Technology, advises: “Adjust your seat belt properly. The lap belt should rest over your pelvis while the shoulder belt sits over your sternum and aligns with your collarbone center.”
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
