Crash-test dummies are essential research tools that aid in the development of passive safety technologies, and Ford Motor Company continues to develop, often in partnership with other parties, more advanced test dummies.
Recently, Ford partnered with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the University of Virginia, Wayne State University and the Takata Corporation in a multi-year project to develop a new abdominal insert and sensor for a crash-test dummy representing a six-year-old child. CHOP studies have shown that, in vehicle crashes, significant abdominal injury in four- to eight-year-old children is second in frequency of occurrence only to head and facial injuries. Abdominal injuries often occur when children too young (i.e., the four- to eight-year-old range) utilize adult restraint systems without a booster seat. The abdominal insert and sensor will allow restraint engineers industry-wide to test the potential for abdominal injuries in children and ultimately improve the development of in-vehicle restraint systems for young children.
In another effort, Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler work together under the auspices of the Occupant Safety Research Partnership (OSRP), a partnership under USCAR, to research, develop, test and evaluate advanced crash-test dummies and other pre-competitive safety systems. A number of years ago, the OSRP initiated development of WorldSID, a male side-impact dummy that is recognized as the most advanced crash-test dummy ever created. In 2006, the OSRP worked with NHTSA to help them evaluate WorldSID for potential use in the federal government's new side-impact crash-test standard. WorldSID is also the first side-impact dummy with the potential to be commonly used in side-impact regulations around the world.
