Congress·Reported·S. 161

She DRIVES Act

Congress Proposes New Rules Requiring Female Crash Test Dummies to Improve Vehicle Safety

11 months ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

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Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

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House

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Law

Key Points

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to update vehicle safety tests to include crash test dummies that represent the average female body. Currently, many safety ratings rely mostly on male-sized dummies, which can lead to higher injury risks for women in real-world accidents.
The new rules would mandate the use of advanced testing devices for both frontal and side-impact crashes. These devices are designed to better mimic how human bodies react during a collision, specifically tracking injuries to the head, neck, chest, and legs.
The Department of Transportation must update the New Car Assessment Program, which is the system that gives cars their 'star ratings' for safety. This ensures that the safety scores consumers see when buying a car reflect how well the vehicle protects both men and women.
The policy sets strict deadlines for these changes, requiring final rules for frontal crash tests within about six months of the bill becoming law. Side-impact testing rules would need to be finalized within two and a half years.
The government would also be required to study safety testing in other countries to see if more advanced technology should be adopted in the United States to keep up with global safety standards.

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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Life & Work

Auto manufacturers and parts suppliers, many of which are small businesses in the supply chain, would need to adapt vehicle designs to meet updated crashworthiness standards based on female-sized test dummies. While this could raise development costs in the short term, businesses that adapt early could gain a competitive advantage by marketing improved safety for all occupants.

ImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Disabilities

Milestones

4 milestones5 actions

Jul 31, 2025Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 141.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Jul 31, 2025Senate

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-56.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Feb 5, 2025Senate

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Jan 21, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Jan 21, 2025

Introduced in Senate

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

Related News

1 article

News Channel Nebraska·8 months ago

Sen. Fischer advocates for She Drives Act

Senator Deb Fischer called on Congress to pass the She DRIVES Act following the NHTSA's announcement of the THOR-05F dummy. The legislation seeks to modernize vehicle safety tests by ensuring they account for all drivers, particularly women who face higher injury risks.

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