WebMD News from HealthDay
Oct. 31, 2014 -- New crash-test dummies are being developed to reflect the fact that many Americans are obese.
Currently, a typical crash-test dummy represents a person who is about 167 pounds and not overweight. New dummies under development are based on the measurements of a 270-pound severely obese person, ABC News reported.
The updated dummies are being created by Humanetics, the only U.S. producer of crash-test dummies. Testing on the larger dummies will begin by the end of this year and they'll be available for wider use sometime next year, according to Humanetics CEO Chris O'Connor.
"Studies show that obese drivers are 78 percent more likely to die in a car crash," O'Connor told ABC News.
source : Obese Crash-Test Dummies Being Developed
