The Evolution By the 1960s, crash test dummies had become far more advanced. Engineers began fitting them with internal sensors capable of measuring impact forces on the head, chest, and legs. This data allowed manufacturers to better understand collisions and design significantly safer vehicles. Notable Dummies Over the years, several crash test dummies became industry standards: Sierra Sam — One of the first dummies designed to test seatbelts and early airbag systems. Hybrid III — The modern-day standard dummy used worldwide in automotive safety testing. Impact on Safety Without crash test dummies, many of today’s essential safety features simply wouldn’t exist. Airbags, seatbelts, and advanced crumple zones all rely on decades of data collected from these silent test subjects — helping save thousands of lives every year. Fun Fact Some crash test dummies are equipped with specialized sensors representing pregnant women, children, and elderly passengers, ensuring vehicles are designed to protect people of all ages and body types. ← Back to Resources