Seattle Times Letter to the Editor: Vehicle testing: Gender equity

We are writing to thank U.S. Sen. Patty Murray for her commitment to enhancing vehicle safety standards for women.

Many people don’t know this, but our cars are only crash-tested with male bodies in mind. That’s right: Crash tests are only required to use dummies shaped like men, and because of bodily differences, this causes women, children and anyone who isn’t shaped like an average man to be at risk. According to studies, this is costing lives every year. We are deeply concerned about what this means for America’s daughters, whose safety hasn’t been considered in testing.

Sen. Murray has been a leader in fighting for equality in vehicle safety testing. She has consistently supported initiatives to make the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the auto safety regulator, use dummies that represent more body types. Because of her support and that of others in Congress, along with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, we are reassured that our concerns are finally being heard and starting to be addressed.

Thank you, Sen. Murray, for your dedication to making our roads safer for everyone.

Beth Brooke and Susan Molinari, co-chairs, VERITY (Vehicle Equity Rules in Transportation) Now