Autoliv Adds Elderly Female to Crash Test Dummy Family

Autoliv Inc. is evaluating a new crash test dummy that replicates the body of an elderly woman to help improve vehicle safety for an aging and diverse global population.

The dummy, developed by Humanetics Innovative Solutions Inc., represents a 70-year-old female, who is 5-ft-3-inches tall and weighs 160 lbs. Autoliv notes that most crash tests currently are conducted with male-based dummies and restraint systems typically are designed to optimize performance for an average 45-year-old man. But the company says demographic trends indicate that more than 20% of all drivers will be older than 65 by 2030.

Autoliv and Humanetics are testing the elderly female dummy in conjunction with Europe’s H2020 SENIORS project. Other participating companies include BASt, Fiat Chrysler and Ford.

As the human body ages, bones lose density and connective tissue stiffens. Autoliv notes that this, along with other factors associated with aging, can result in an anthropometry that has a different interaction with the seatbelt and frontal airbag.

In recent years, carmakers also have begun using crash test dummies that represent overweight people, children and small women.