It is no secret that the world is not designed for women. And cars are no exception to this. Men are more likely to cause a car crash. But women are more likely to die or be injured in one. This isn’t just a coincidence. This is a long-standing negligence by the government and car manufacturers.

In 2019, 10,420 women died in car accidents, while over 1 million sustained injuries. Vehicle accidents are dangerous to men, women, and children. Car safety tests use male test dummies. The National Highway Safety Transportation Association only requires tests that involve male drivers rather than females. Female test dummies are scaled down versions of their male counterparts.

Because of this, females are more likely to suffer head injuries and whiplash. And the life-protecting seat belts and airbags that so effectively save men’s’ lives can fatally injure a woman in an accident. This is just another example of unfortunate events happening due to few too women in positions of power. Even though women represent more than 50% of the population.

But there is now hope. The INVEST in America Act that is currently going through the House of Representatives. This act includes an updated provision to include better testing for every seat in the car. With more females involved in legislation,  it is hopeful that this will pass and improve American car standards to be safer for women, much like they are in Europe and Japan. And hopefully, as things improve, more women will be making important design decisions in the future. So while the inequities for most products seem to be glaring right now, there is hope for a much improved female future.