WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new move to require auto companies to incorporate speed-limiting technology in newly built vehicles. Advocates say it will make women in particular safer on the road.
Research shows that women who drive and get involved in a car crash are more likely to be seriously injured than men. Some believe a crash test dummy that simulates a female body will address gender differences, but others believe the fix won’t be that simple.
“Our crash test dummies have inherent limitations,” said Jessica Jermakian, vice president of vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “We like to think of them as people, but they’re not really people.”
“If we really want to get fairness in crash safety, the answer really goes beyond considering crash test dummies,” she explained.
The IIHS is now studying data from real-world crashes and how to make cars less lethal when they hit another vehicle.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
One way is to use Intelligent Speed Assist, or ISA, the IIHS says. Essentially, it prevents speeding or issues a warning if the car is traveling faster than the speed limit.New cars in Europe need it, but not in the US
“They can put something in the vehicle today that will help reduce speed and reduce the severity of crashes,” Jermakian said.
We asked whether the NHTSA is actually considering requiring an ISA in new cars. Officials said earlier this year that they had requested input on the systems and would consider public comments received.
We obtained a document showing the auto industry lobby group told NHTSA that the system should be considered.
“Safety is a top priority for the automotive industry,” a spokesman for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation wrote. “Vehicles continue to become safer as automakers comprehensively test, develop and integrate promising new technologies, including intelligent speed assist, alcohol detection, and rear-seat child reminders. These innovations make the driving experience safer, protect lives or prevent injury.”
The driver’s response was mixed.
Top Stories:
“Everybody in California is going 10 miles per hour speeding, so I don’t think California is going to fix that very well,” Sacramento’s Paul Greenfield said.
Debbie Colby of Oregon said, “It’s like those little guys are going to say ‘Oh, you know, you’re going 50 mph in 20 minutes, slow down’, so I think It’s a good idea to keep them in the car,” , said.
Safety advocates are also experimenting with virtual crash tests to be able to simulate a wider range of occupants in vehicles.
VERITY NOW, an organization fighting for fairness in vehicle safety, said the government needed to take action on all of this.
“We’ve been researching endlessly,” explained co-chair Beth Brooke. “Why? Why? Why? My question is why not? It exists today. We’re not going to make anyone less safe by using it. Why not? Let’s keep pushing all of these technologies further and at the same time we will save women’s lives.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
In other news:
©2022 Cox Media Group