Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) appeared on ‘CBS Mornings’ to discuss their bipartisan legislation, the She Develops Regulations in Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act. The bill aims to update vehicle safety testing by mandating the use of advanced crash test devices, including a female crash test dummy, and revising U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures.

The She DRIVES Act was introduced in January and passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in February. It is currently awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Organizations supporting the bill include Drive US Forward, Women Drive Too, and the National Safety Council.

During their appearance on CBS Mornings, Fischer said: “Whether driving or as passengers, we want to make sure that women are safe when they get in a vehicle.” Duckworth added: “We’re taking the next step. And let’s see if we can’t remedy the situation.” Fischer continued: “And make it safer. …” Duckworth concluded: “So that all those moms and daughters and sisters and best friends come home.”

Research has shown that women face higher rates of death and serious injury than men in car crashes. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that 1,300 women die each year who might have survived if their fatality rates matched those of men.

A Government Accountability Office report highlighted shortcomings in current crash testing programs. NHTSA has missed several self-imposed deadlines for deploying new dummies representing females and other vulnerable groups such as the elderly.