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Women are more likely to be injured or killed in car accidents from "summary" of Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury globally, and it is a sad reality that women are more likely to be seriously hurt or killed in these accidents. This is not due to some innate biological difference between men and women, but rather a result of a fundamental oversight in the design of cars and safety features. For decades, crash test dummies used in safety testing have been based on the male body, with very few tests conducted on female-specific dummies. This means that safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and headrests are designed to protect a body that does not represent the average female body. The consequences of this oversight are grave. Women are 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car crash and 17% more likely to die compared to men. The lack of female-specific crash test dummies means that safety measures are not optimized for women, putting them at a higher risk of injury. Even the way seat belts are designed can harm women - the positioning of the belt can cause internal injuries in the chest area, which is more vulnerable in women due to differences in anatomy. Furthermore, the design of cars themselves can contribute to the increased risk for women. Car manufacturers often prioritize the safety of the driver over the safety of passengers, assuming that the driver is male. This means that safety features such as airbags are positioned to protect a male driver, leaving women passengers at a higher risk of injury in the event of a crash. The lack of consideration for the female body in the design of cars and safety features is a clear example of the gender data gap that pervades many aspects of our lives. In order to address this issue and ensure the safety of all road users, it is crucial that car manufacturers and safety testers take into account the differences between male and female bodies. By conducting tests with female-specific crash test dummies and designing safety features that are optimized for the female body, we can reduce the risk of injury and death for women in car accidents. It is time to acknowledge the gender data gap and take action to address it, so that all individuals can travel safely on the roads.
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    Invisible Women

    Caroline Criado Perez

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