Crash-Test Dummies Explained

Most people have seen those commercials on television with the crash-test dummies. Sometimes they appear in commercials produced by auto manufacturers to advertise the safety of their particular vehicles, and sometimes they appear in public service announcements regarding various auto safety issues. Many people, however, may not understand the real difference between those crash-test dummies and, for instance, the mannequin modeling the latest fashions in the shop window at the mall. In fact, the technology that has been integrated into the crash-test dummies in order to make them as useful, and as human-like as possible is both highly advanced and fascinating.

The dummy, known as THOR, is used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to evaluate vehicle safety systems for head-on and side impact collisions. The goal of THOR is to be as much like a human body as possible in its response to crash situations, but also to make it possible for researchers to observe, after the fact, what the response was. They can then use this information to assess the safety of the vehicle under similar circumstances. There are a number of things that this advanced crash-test dummy is able to help researchers with.

• Assist in maximizing the effectiveness of “smart” restraint systems.

• Help measure the interaction between seat belt and air bag.

• Realistic movement of head and neck in impact situations.

• Measure the likelihood of various types of neck injury.

• Realistic flexibility in spine.

• Measure how well restraint systems work given various seating positions.

• Assess the effects of air bags and seat belts on the abdomen.

• Measure movement in various joints like the ankle and wrist.

All of these things can be used by researchers to assess the usefulness of different types of restraint systems, and to determine what behaviors may make driving more hazardous. In turn, this information can be used to develop more advanced, more effective, and safer restraint systems and safety features in future vehicles. In short, THOR has probably helped to save countless lives. Unfortunately, car accidents will still happen, and that means that people will still be injured. People who are injured in car accidents need the legal assistance of an experienced Denver car accident lawyer.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact a Denver auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Keith Fuicelli is an experienced attorney with the Law Firm of Fuicelli and Lee who believes that personal service should be a cornerstone of the practice. Keith will meet with you in person for a FREE CONSULTATION, and give you his honest opinion about your case. Keith treats all clients with the respect and dignity that they deserve. For more information, contact Keith at (303)355-7202.