There’s a report circulating around the autosphere where female drivers are supposedly more at risk for injuries and death when involved in an auto accident.
Clarence Ditlow begs to differ. Ditlow, representing the Center for Auto Safety which was founded by consumer safety advocate and occasional presidential candidate Ralph Nader, states the report by the American Journal of Public Health doesn’t really apply to today’s vehicles. He points out that the AJPH based its data on accidents between 1998 through 2008 and involved vehicles which average age is six years.
“The average life of a car is around 12 years,” counters Ditlow. “The study would have a lot more value if it were limited to 2000 and later model year vehicles to make sure all vehicles had female friendly airbags.” The AJPH study reports women drivers were 47 percent at greater risk than men because of their frame, frame, and even sitting position. Ditlow agrees the AJPH has its heart in the right place but its information needs to be more current.
“There wasn’t even a dynamic side impact test standard in effect in 1992,” points out Ditlow.
Automotive.com’s take: We agree with Ditlow. Get with the program, AJPH!
Source: ABC News
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