For the first time, U.S. automakers will soon be required to test vehicle safety using crash-test dummies that actually represent the size and physiology of American women — a move officials say is long overdue.
Story Snapshot
- DOT mandates female crash-test dummies to improve safety.
- Women face higher injury risks in crashes than men.
- New standards aim for better vehicle design by 2028.
- Administration criticizes past delays in safety updates.
Introduction of THOR-05F: A Necessary Innovation
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on November 20, 2025, the introduction of the THOR-05F, an advanced crash-test dummy that represents the average American woman.
This initiative highlights the disparity in vehicle safety outcomes for men and women, with women being significantly more prone to injuries and fatalities in similar crashes.
This move marks a significant step towards addressing these disparities, as data shows women are 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries in head-on collisions and 17% more likely to die compared to men.
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
Decades of Delays Finally Addressed
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has faced criticism for taking nearly 45 years to approve a female crash-test dummy that accurately represents women’s anatomy.
Despite the availability of advanced models like the THOR-05F, the outdated Hybrid III “female” dummy, created in the 1970s, has been the standard. This model represents only the smallest 5% of women.
The newly approved THOR-05F, equipped with over 150 sensors, offers more precise data across the body, helping to correct decades of distorted vehicle design.
According to DOT officials, these new technical standards are the first significant update since the 1980s. Automakers can now purchase the THOR-05F and conduct tests ahead of its formal adoption into safety ratings and rulemaking, anticipated by 2027 or 2028.
A Critique of Past Administration Delays
The announcement of the THOR-05F was accompanied by criticism of prior administrations for “years of delays” in updating safety standards. Secretary Duffy emphasized that under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Transportation will prioritize the safety of American families, including women.
The administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues in vehicle safety reflects a broader focus on putting American interests first, a cornerstone of conservative values.
