Washington, D.C., November 21, 2025 — The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have officially introduced the THOR-5F, the nation’s most advanced female crash test dummy, marking a major step toward reducing gender-based disparities in vehicle safety.
For decades, crash test dummies have been designed around the average male body, resulting in data gaps that contributed to higher injury risks for women. Physiological differences—such as height, torso shape, weight distribution, muscle mass, and seating posture—often lead to more severe injuries for women in real-world crashes.
The THOR-5F aims to address these risks with high-precision, female-specific biomechanics.
Key Features of the New THOR-5F Dummy
Ultra-flexible joint movement for realistic body motion
Advanced neck and spine modeling to better measure whiplash injuries
Redesigned ribcage and chest mechanics to replicate female thoracic structure
Improved pelvis and abdominal design
Expanded sensor systems capturing injury data specific to women
Road safety experts are calling the THOR-5F a landmark advancement that will influence seatbelt design, airbag deployment algorithms, and overall crash survivability. Automakers are expected to begin incorporating THOR-5F data right away, with federal regulations likely mandating its use by 2027.
