In the realm of vehicle safety, Mercedes-Benz stands at the forefront, not only pioneering innovations but also championing diversity in its crash tests. Contrary to common misconceptions, the company has been diligently ensuring the safety of both women and men through meticulous testing procedures.
For over two decades, Mercedes-Benz has incorporated female frontal impact dummies and female side impact dummies in its crash tests. Unlike human dolls, these dummies serve as precision instruments, measuring physical forces and trajectories. The 'fifth percentile female' dummy, standing at approximately 1.5 meters tall and weighing 49 kilograms, has been a consistent participant in Mercedes-Benz frontal crash tests. This commitment predates official legal requirements, emphasizing the brand's dedication to inclusive safety measures.
The crash tests are conducted with an extensive array of dummies, totaling 120 in 21 different versions. From toddlers to fifth percentile females and 50th percentile males, each dummy simulates diverse anatomies. These tests, amounting to 900 crash tests and 1,700 sled tests annually, contribute to the ongoing development of advanced safety technologies.
Mercedes-Benz's real-life safety strategy, cultivated for over 50 years, involves investigating accidents involving their vehicles to comprehend how accidents happen and identify preventive safety systems. The results of these tests not only shape new safety technologies but also enhance existing systems.
In addressing prevalent myths, Hanna Paul, Head of Test-Engineering & Dummy Technology bei Mercedes-Benz, dispels misconceptions around the effectiveness of safety measures for women. She emphasises that there are no discernible relevant disparities between the sexes in severe or fatal injuries. The use of female dummies is integral to ensuring comprehensive safety, with various types representing different demographics.
Contrary to outdated statistics, modern advancements in passive vehicle safety have significantly improved protection across all vehicle segments. The increasing diversity in dummy types, with over 120 variations, ensures comprehensive testing for different collision scenarios.
Mercedes-Benz is actively involved in evolving dummy technology, introducing the advanced THOR (an advanced 50th percentile male anthropomorphic test device, which represents human-like anthropometry and response to impact) dummy to replace the Hybrid III dummy. This new generation of dummies, such as THOR, provides a more accurate depiction of the human body, enhancing measurement options and furthering safety research.
Addressing concerns about pregnant women, studies by organisations like ADAC affirm that normal seat belts protect expectant mothers and their unborn children effectively in accidents. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz rejects the notion that simulations will replace physical crash testing entirely, emphasizing the necessity of validating simulations through real-world tests.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz's commitment to diverse crash testing reaffirms its position as a leader in automotive safety, ensuring that safety measures are not just inclusive but also at the forefront of technological advancements.
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