Impact of the VIP Dummy on Car Safety

In the mid-60s, rising road fatalities led to national debate. Ralph Nader's book highlighted the dangers of US cars, prompting legislation for seat belts. The seat belt's role is to absorb kinetic energy, reducing injury. By 1966, the car industry sought a smarter crash test dummy, leading to the creation of the VIP dummy. This dummy, with realistic features and instrumentation, helped improve seat belt design. The geometry of seat belts is crucial for safety, with proper positioning on the pelvic bone and sternum. The VIP dummy proved lap belts alone were insufficient, influencing US car safety legislation.

What was the main concern in the mid-1960s that led to a national debate?

• Increasing road deaths and injuries

• Rising car prices

• Lack of public transportation

• Environmental pollution

What did Ralph Nader's book 'Unsafe at Any Speed' argue?

• US cars were too expensive

• US cars were dangerous to operate

• US cars were environmentally friendly

• US cars were fuel-efficient

What is the primary function of a seat belt in a vehicle?

• To enhance the car's fuel efficiency

• To absorb the kinetic energy of the passenger

• To improve the car's aerodynamics

• To increase the car's speed

Why was there a need for a new crash test dummy in 1966?

• To reduce car manufacturing costs

• To improve car aesthetics

• To better measure injury reduction in accidents

• To increase car speed

What does the VIP dummy represent in terms of population?

• The 75th percentile

• The 50th percentile

• The 90th percentile

• The 25th percentile

What was a key feature of the VIP dummy that improved testing?

• Bright colors

• Increased weight

• Larger size

• Realistic pelvic structure

Why is the geometry of a seat belt system important?

• To increase the car's speed

• To match the car's interior design

• To ensure proper interaction with the body during a crash

• To reduce the car's weight

Where should the lap belt be positioned for maximum safety?

• Around the neck

• Across the chest

• Low on the hips

• Across the stomach

What did the success of the VIP dummy demonstrate about lap belts?

• They were cost-effective

• They were stylish

• They were inefficient and dangerous

• They were efficient and safe

What was the legislative impact of the VIP dummy?

• It was replaced by a newer model

• It was banned from use

• It was used only in Europe

• It became part of US car safety legislation