Americans Are Getting Bigger – And So Are Crash Test Dummies

The idea is that they should accurately reflect the look and weight of real drivers.  So as Americans have gotten bigger, so have the new generation of crash test dummies.  They're now being built with thicker waistlines and bigger rear ends.

Chris O'Conner, who's CEO of Humanantics, the only U.S. producer of crash test dummies, says his company is designing them with a specific person in mind.

"Our new dummies are based on the measurements of a 270 pound person with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35."

...which, I might add, The Centers for Disease Control considers morbidly obese.

Another downside to being overweight - obese drivers are 78 percent more likely to die in a car crash.

(ABC Radio News)