- What the federal announcement means for vehicle safety
- Why women face higher risks in car crashes
- THOR-5F and the push for better female crash test dummies
- How star ratings could change and what that means for families
- What to do after a serious crash: documentation, records, and timelines
- Insurance considerations and potential civil liability
- For families facing a wrongful death after a crash
- Local context and seasonal road realities
- Trusted sources and data
- What to do now: time-sensitive steps to protect a claim
- Commentary from Gosuits United States Personal Injury Attorney
What the federal announcement means for vehicle safety
Transportation officials announced they intend to adopt design changes to the female crash test dummy used in government vehicle safety ratings. The Department of Transportation signaled support for integrating a more lifelike female dummy into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star testing program after a final rule is completed. The change aims to address long-standing gaps in how vehicles are evaluated for women, who experience different injury risks and patterns than men in the same types of crashes.
For decades, the core crash test dummy in federal ratings has been modeled around a midsize male body from the late 1970s. A smaller female configuration exists, but it has been used primarily in passenger or rear seats and lacks biomechanical detail that reflects female anatomy. The proposed upgrade centers on a newer model known in research as THOR-5F, which includes a more accurate representation of female neck, chest, pelvis, and lower extremities, along with extensive internal sensors.
Key points from the update
- What happened: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced support for a more lifelike female crash test dummy and indicated it will consider using it in NHTSA’s five-star ratings after rulemaking is finished.
- Why it matters: Research has demonstrated women are at elevated risk of certain injuries in otherwise similar crashes. More representative testing tools can drive design changes that reduce those risks.
- What’s next: Draft specifications are available to manufacturers for building and testing the newer dummy design. The final step is formal adoption into ratings protocols, which requires a completed rule.
- Industry views: Some automakers and insurance research groups have questioned the need or timing for a new dummy, while safety advocates and several members of Congress support the move.
So what does this mean on the ground for drivers in places like Tyler and Longview? If the new dummy is fully incorporated, future vehicle ratings would better reflect the injury risks that women face in real crashes. That can nudge manufacturers to refine seat belts, airbags, seating geometry, and restraint tuning so that protection is strong for a broader range of drivers and passengers.
Why women face higher risks in car crashes
Women have been shown to face a higher likelihood of serious injury in comparable collisions. These differences are complex and tied to anatomy, posture, vehicle seating position, and how restraint systems interact with the body. A University of Virginia analysis of frontal crash data found that, even with modern vehicles and seat belt use, women had a substantially higher risk of moderate-to-severe injury in frontal crashes compared with men when controlling for key factors. See the University of Virginia summary for context at news.virginia.edu.
Government safety guidance also explains that proper seat belt positioning is crucial and that belt geometry and body shape can affect how forces are distributed across the pelvis, chest, and abdomen. NHTSA’s occupant protection materials detail best practices for belt fit, including during pregnancy, highlighting that lap belts should rest low and snug on the hip bones, never across the soft abdomen. For more, see NHTSA’s seat belt guidance at nhtsa.gov.
Factors that contribute to different outcomes
- Body shape and mass distribution: Differences in pelvis shape, neck structure, and torso geometry can change how crash forces load the body.
- Seat position and posture: People with shorter stature may sit closer to the wheel or higher on the seat cushion, altering airbag and belt interaction timing.
- Vehicle interior design: Seat track ranges, steering column reach, and airbag deployment envelopes are often optimized around a default male model without fully equivalent testing for other occupants.
- Restraint system tuning: Belt tensioners and load limiters are calibrated based on human surrogates. If those surrogates are not representative, injury metrics can be skewed.
When our community sees a run of severe head-on collisions on I-20, SH 31, or on Loop 323 in Tyler, the patterns above help explain why outcomes can vary between occupants in the same vehicle. These differences are not about blame. They’re about physics, fit, and engineering. That is precisely why updating the test tools matters.
THOR-5F and the push for better female crash test dummies
The newer female dummy referenced by federal officials is often identified in technical literature as THOR-5F. It’s designed to reflect female anthropometry and injury sensitivity more closely than legacy devices. NHTSA’s published materials discuss key differences between the THOR family and the older Hybrid III line, including the neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and legs, as well as the number and placement of sensors. You can review a federal comparison handout at static.nhtsa.gov.
How the new dummy differs
- More than 150 sensors: THOR-5F collects detailed load, acceleration, and deflection data across the body, allowing better mapping of injury mechanisms.
- Anatomically informed structures: Enhanced neck biofidelity, refined thoracic response, and pelvis geometry that better represents female occupants.
- Improved lower extremity modeling: Legs and knees are built to capture forces that relate to hip and femur injuries seen in real-world data.
- Broader test roles: The design supports use in driver positions, not just passenger seats, addressing a gap given how many women hold driver licenses and drive daily.
The bigger picture is that the dummy is a tool. When engineers test the same vehicle with a range of test devices, they can tune airbags and seat belts to protect a broader span of occupants. Better tools should lead to fewer injuries and better outcomes during crashes on our local roads from Lake Palestine bridges to the busy retail stretches on South Broadway Avenue.
How star ratings could change and what that means for families
NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, which generates the five-star ratings many families use when shopping, is an established consumer guide for crash protection. Federal guidance on ratings is publicly available at nhtsa.gov. If THOR-5F or a similar female dummy is officially incorporated into the frontal, side, or offset protocols, vehicles would be evaluated under scenarios that more accurately reflect injury risks to women as drivers and front-seat passengers.
Consumer implications if the rule is finalized
- Clearer safety differences: Two vehicles with the same overall star rating might perform differently for specific occupant profiles. Updated tests could make those distinctions visible.
- Design improvements: Manufacturers would have an incentive to optimize belt geometry, pretensioner timing, load limiting, airbag venting, and seat structures to protect a wider range of body sizes.
- Stronger transparency: Public-facing ratings that include data from a more representative female dummy can guide smarter purchasing decisions for families.
For our area’s commuters who drive US 69 or US 259 daily, clarity in ratings helps match a vehicle’s protection to the person who will be behind the wheel most days.
What to do after a serious crash: documentation, records, and timelines
Announcements about testing tools do not change what matters most immediately after a crash. Evidence and medical documentation drive both safety learning and insurance decisions. Acting deliberately and gathering the right records helps protect health and preserves options.
Immediate steps
- Seek medical evaluation right away: Even if pain feels manageable, internal injuries can be missed without imaging. Keep every record, including discharge notes, imaging reports, and referrals.
- Photograph the scene and vehicles: Capture seat position, airbag deployment, seat belt condition, interior damage, child seats, and exterior crush zones before repairs.
- Secure vehicle data: Many vehicles store Event Data Recorder information. Preserve the vehicle and avoid granting early access for repairs until data and photos are captured.
- Identify witnesses: Obtain names, contact details, and any cellphone photos or dashcam clips witnesses might have.
How to obtain official records in Texas
- Police crash reports: In Texas, certified reports can be purchased through the Crash Records Information System. See TxDOT’s portal at cris.dot.state.tx.us.
- 911 audio, CAD logs, bodycam, and dashcam: These may be available through a Texas Public Information Act request to the responding agency. Guidance for the public is posted by the Texas Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov.
- Death certificates and related records: The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains vital records access for death certificates. See DSHS at dshs.texas.gov. Autopsy and inquest records are handled by the county medical examiner where one exists, or by the county justice of the peace in counties without a medical examiner’s office.
- Vehicle data and recall status: NHTSA maintains recall information by VIN. See NHTSA resources at nhtsa.gov to check recall notices that may relate to restraint or airbag performance.
If multiple agencies responded, request records from each. In Smith County and throughout East Texas, that can include city police, sheriff’s offices, DPS Highway Patrol, and local fire departments.
Insurance considerations and potential civil liability
Vehicle design choices, restraint system performance, and airbag timing can factor into injury severity. When a crash results in severe harm, the legal analysis can include driver negligence, road conditions, and product design or warnings. Without getting into the specifics of any one case, here are general considerations families ask about after major collisions on I-20 or rural two-lane roads.
How vehicle design can factor into a claim
- Seat belt fit and performance: If the lap belt rides up on soft tissue or the shoulder belt edge loads the neck, abdominal or thoracic injuries can be more severe. Testing that accounts for female anatomy helps identify and correct these risks.
- Airbag deployment timing and force: Airbags are designed to work with the belt. If occupants sit closer due to stature, deployment envelopes and venting rates become critical.
- Seat structure and head restraint: Whiplash and spinal injuries are related to seat back stiffness and head restraint geometry, which may perform differently across body types.
Before speaking with insurance companies
- Contact an attorney first: An initial consultation helps clarify rights and obligations. Statements to any insurer can be recorded and used later, so it is wise to understand the implications before giving a detailed account.
- Limit early recorded statements: If you have not reviewed the police report, photos, or medical findings, it is easy to miss details or accept assumptions that affect fault and valuation.
- Organize documentation: Keep bills, mileage, time off work records, photos, and a symptom journal. Organized records help reduce disputes over treatment and losses.
Insurers often move quickly to set reserves and evaluate exposure. That speed can work against a full understanding of injuries, especially those that evolve over weeks, like concussions or spinal injuries.
For families facing a wrongful death after a crash
When a crash results in a fatality, the immediate focus is on honoring the person’s life and supporting loved ones. The process of obtaining key documents can feel overwhelming. It helps to know which agencies hold which records, and how timelines typically unfold.
Key records to request
- Certified crash report: Purchase through TxDOT’s CRIS portal at cris.dot.state.tx.us.
- Autopsy or inquest records: The county medical examiner’s office issues autopsy reports where applicable. In counties without a medical examiner, the justice of the peace handles inquests and related records. Ask the county for the correct office.
- EMS and fire records: Prehospital care reports and incident logs can clarify timing, vital signs, and interventions.
- Death certificate: Request through DSHS at dshs.texas.gov.
- Vehicle data and photos: Preserve the vehicle if possible until a complete documentation set is created, including Event Data Recorder downloads.
Families often ask about timelines. Autopsy reports can take weeks or months depending on caseload and any specialized testing. Insurance investigations and liability reviews can take longer, particularly if multiple vehicles or a potential product issue is involved.
Local context and seasonal road realities
East Texas roads have their own personality. On fall and winter evenings, deer near Lake Tyler or along SH 155 can turn a calm drive into a split-second decision. Thanksgiving and December holidays bring heavy traffic on I-20, more visitors on Loop 323, and more tired drivers on two-lane roads after long family gatherings. Wet leaves, early sunsets, and fog over low-lying creeks reduce visibility.
The goal of better dummies and better ratings is simple: improve protection in the crashes that actually happen on the roads we all use. If the dummy that guides design better reflects the people who drive those roads, that is a win for our community.
Trusted sources and data
For readers who want to review the underlying materials directly, here are public resources from government and academic institutions.
- NHTSA New Car Assessment Program: consumer star ratings overview at nhtsa.gov.
- NHTSA Anthropomorphic Test Devices: federal information about crash test dummies at nhtsa.gov.
- THOR-5F technical comparison: federal handout comparing THOR and Hybrid family features at static.nhtsa.gov.
- Seat belt safety during pregnancy: NHTSA guidance on proper belt positioning at nhtsa.gov.
- Academic research on sex-based injury differences: University of Virginia research summary at news.virginia.edu.
- CDC motor vehicle safety: national overview of risk and prevention at cdc.gov.
- Texas crash reports: TxDOT CRIS public purchase system at cris.dot.state.tx.us.
- Texas Public Information Act: how to request public records at texasattorneygeneral.gov.
- Texas death records: DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov.
What to do now: time-sensitive steps to protect a claim
When a collision causes serious injury or the loss of a loved one, time matters. There are several steps that, if handled early, can protect evidence and preserve rights down the line.
- Preserve the vehicle: Do not authorize repairs or release the vehicle to an insurer’s storage yard until comprehensive photographs and any Event Data Recorder downloads are completed. This can be critical for understanding belt performance, seat track position, and airbag function.
- Secure official records quickly: Order the certified crash report as soon as it becomes available through the TxDOT CRIS portal. Early requests for 911 audio, bodycam, and dashcam under the Public Information Act help lock in evidence that can otherwise be overwritten.
- Centralize medical documentation: Keep a single folder with ER records, imaging, specialist notes, and pharmacy receipts. The sooner these are organized, the easier it is to demonstrate the full scope of injuries and treatment.
- Be cautious with insurance communications: Before making any recorded statement to any insurer, consult with an attorney. What is said can be used later to challenge fault or minimize injuries. An early, informed consultation helps avoid missteps.
- Track work and daily impacts: Document missed work, caregiving help, and daily limitations. This contemporaneous record often carries more weight than later recollections.
Acting on these items early can change the trajectory of a claim. Vehicle storage fees accumulate, electronic data can be lost, and witnesses move. The window to capture the clearest picture of what happened is short, especially when holiday travel and repair shop backlogs complicate logistics.
Commentary from Gosuits United States Personal Injury Attorney
Our hearts are with every person in our community who has been hurt in a crash, and with families grieving a loss. This article is offered for general information and education so community members can understand why safety standards evolve and how those changes can affect real cases.
The federal signal in favor of a more representative female crash test dummy is an important step. We’ve seen how injury patterns differ for different occupants. When testing reflects those realities, vehicles tend to improve in ways that protect more people, whether it is restraint geometry for a shorter driver on Loop 323 or airbag tuning that accounts for seating positions on I-20 commutes. Updating the tools does not solve every problem, but it aligns testing with what we already know from the roadside and the hospital: one size does not fit all when it comes to crash protection.
In the aftermath of a serious wreck, insurance carriers and large corporations move fast. They understand the value of early statements, early inspections, and early narratives. Without full information, injured people can feel pressured to give recorded statements or accept quick offers that do not account for evolving medical conditions. We also see situations where restraint performance, seat position, or airbag deployment needs a deeper review. Those topics are technical, which can leave people at a disadvantage if they are not familiar with how modern vehicle safety systems work.
An early, no-cost consultation can level the playing field. It provides a confidential space to ask questions, understand options, and plan the next steps before speaking with any insurance company. That single conversation often helps avoid unintentional mistakes, like authorizing a vehicle teardown before critical photographs and data are captured or giving a statement that becomes the focus of a later dispute.
