In this post, we will be exploring the reality of how car companies interact with their female customers in advertisements for their safety.
Volvo Glasgow
I decided to head to the Volvo store in Glasgow as an aspiring design student fascinated by their initiatives. I hoped that I would at least be shown the models of cars in which they have incorporated the E.V.A scheme, but to my surprise, I was turned away and told it is not information that they could show me. It made me start to wonder if they really are implementing these changes. I took it upon myself to look inside some of the cars in the showroom and realised that none of the E.V.A initiatives was even advertised!
Arnold Clarke
Disheartened, I wondered if perhaps a more general sales company, like Arnold Clarke, could provide me with such information. I spoke to Ross Discombe, an innovation engineer within the Arnold Clarke Innovation Centre in Scoutson. He openly shared that he did not know the extent of the facts which I presented him with regard to the lack of safety for women in cars. Despite being unaware of these statistics, Mr Discombe happily shared with me his thoughts on the matter and how they impact my presented research:
Testing New Safety Features
I learnt that most car companies test their safety features on their formula one racing cars. It is essential to note that real-life situations in everyday cars are different. Compared to racing cars, which have a limited range of accidents they can encounter, everyday cars have a more extensive variety of potential collisions.
One of the key safety features that determine the level of protection during an accident is how well-encapsulated the passenger is within the vehicle. For instance, in formula one cars, the inside shell is equipped with airbags, which can absorb the impact of a crash and protect the passenger. If the car were to topple 360 degrees, the passenger would remain safely cushioned inside the shell, reducing the risk of injury. Although this safety feature has been tested and implemented in race cars, adapting it to everyday cars can be challenging since the driver's view of the road ahead must remain unobstructed. Furthermore, factors like the safety of children and pregnant women must be taken into account, and the potential impact of airbags on them must be thoroughly assessed. While testing safety features in race and formula one cars may seem like a good idea, the lack of female drivers in these events means that research findings may be biased and not representative of the female population.
Electric Cars; The Future of E.V.A?
Due to the low centre of gravity found in electric cars as a result of smaller parts needed to power the car, the impact on the car during a car is decreased. Does this measurable impact decrease our statistics?
The Seatbelt
Although the current seatbelt design is convenient, it may not be adequate. While there are already seatbelt adjusters available in the market for pregnant women, they are not something typically promoted by car manufacturers. When I discussed my proposed redesign of the seatbelt with Mr Discombe, he raised some valid and intriguing points. Firstly, he questioned the impact of such a modification on the male crotch in case of an accident. While women already face risks while driving, it is essential to consider whether it would be a reasonable risk for men to take. However, the focus should be on achieving equality in vehicle safety, not on seeking revenge. Secondly, he highlighted that more complex seatbelt designs could impact the time taken by firefighters to extract passengers from toppled cars during an emergency, potentially increasing their risk of harm. In this context, momentum and time are critical factors to consider when evaluating any proposed changes.
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