Info or misinformation: “The dummies used in crash tests are not suitable for women”

Should the female body shape be considered?

Safety specialists criticize the use of an inappropriate mannequin in crash tests. To represent women, the European organization Euro NCAP uses a mannequin with feminine attributes that is 1.50 m tall, which is a reduced version of the “male mannequin”. To address this issue, Swedish engineer Astrid Linger has created a model with hips and shoulder width more characteristic of women. She has submitted it to the UN and intends to have it adopted soon by the evaluation bodies.

Verdict: true, but probably not for much longer

Should you treat yourself or drive?

Official data shows that road accidents are mainly caused by speed, alcohol, or drugs, but over 3% of the annual quota is attributed to medication. Road Safety will emphasize this throughout the month, especially on the radio, to remind people to trust the pictogram on the packaging. The red sign (level 3) recommends not driving, orange (level 2) indicates not driving without the advice of a health professional, and yellow (level 1) advises caution and reading the instructions. It’s important to be vigilant with certain medications listed in levels 1 and 2, which are sometimes available without a prescription (such as anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea medications, etc.).

Verdict: indeed, you must refer to the pictogram on the box