Women more likely to incur serious injuries in car crashes
According to a new study, women are 73% more likely than men to suffer a serious injury or death in an auto accident. Texas drivers should know that part of the reason for this trend is the lack of accurate crash safety data. With this comes the lack of safety measures and devices designed with women in mind.
For example, the majority of crash dummies used for testing are based on the male body. A female crash dummy was introduced back in 2003. However, it is mostly just a smaller version of the male type. It weighs 110 pounds and is 5 feet tall, putting its dimensions just outside those of the average woman.
In all of these crash tests, there is no effort to take into consideration a woman’s physiological and anatomical differences, such as differences in fat distribution, muscle strength and pelvis shape. These traits can affect how a seat belt will interact with one’s skeletal structure. The fact that women are more susceptible to car crash injuries has been known at least as far back as 2011.
Even with more effective safety features, though, accidents can occur through driver negligence. Someone who is injured by a negligent driver may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Since Texas is an at-fault state, there is no restriction as to who can file, so the injuries do not necessarily have to be severe. However, only those who are 50% or less at fault can be eligible for compensatory damages. In an effort to ensure a strong case, a victim may want to hire a lawyer.
