A new federal mandate requiring female crash-test dummies threatens to expose years of oversight in vehicle safety regulations, sparking debates on gender equity and safety.
Story Highlights
- The THOR-05F, a female crash-test dummy, addresses gender disparities in vehicle safety.
- The NHTSA took nearly 45 years to approve a female dummy model.
- Women face significantly higher risks in car accidents compared to men.
- Under Trump’s leadership, the DOT prioritizes safety for all, including women.
Introduction of the THOR-05F Model
On November 20, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced the THOR-05F, a new crash-test dummy designed to replicate the physiology of an average American woman.
This move addresses the longstanding disparity in vehicle safety outcomes between men and women. Federal data shows women are 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries and 17% more likely to die in similar crash scenarios compared to men.
The introduction of the THOR-05F signifies a significant shift in how vehicle safety is approached, with the aim of reducing injury and fatality rates among female drivers. The model, equipped with over 150 sensors, provides more accurate data for designing safer vehicles.
NEW:
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveils the design details for the first-of-its-kind advanced female crash test dummy – known as the THOR-05F. pic.twitter.com/tUZ6s1uNLQ— Stephanie Myers (@_StephanieMyers) November 20, 2025
Historical Oversight and Delays
Despite the availability of advanced models like the THOR-05F, it has taken the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly 45 years to approve a dummy built around the anatomy of an average adult woman.
Previously used models, such as the Hybrid III “female,” inaccurately represented only the smallest 5% of women, skewing safety results. Humanetics CEO Chris O’Connor pointed out that designing vehicles around male-centric data has distorted vehicle safety standards for decades.
Impact on Vehicle Safety Standards
The Department of Transportation’s new technical standards, being the first significant update since the 1980s, will allow manufacturers to design future vehicles with improved protection for female occupants. Full regulatory implementation is expected by 2027 or 2028.
This change, announced first to NBC News, has been criticized for the years of delays under prior administrations.
Under President Trump’s leadership, the DOT has prioritized putting the safety of American families, including women, at the forefront.
Duffy emphasized that these changes reflect the administration’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in vehicle safety and ensuring that all citizens receive equal protection on the roads.
