Garth Rattray | Profile of a crash dummy

A crash-test dummy, or simply ‘crash dummy’, is a full-scale anthropomorphic test device (ATD) that simulates the dimensions, weight proportions and articulation of the human body during a traffic collision. Vehicle manufacturers must use crash-test dummies to prove that their vehicles are safe before being sold in the US and Europe.

The female crash dummy is 1.49m tall and weighs only 48.99kg. Male crash dummies are represented by an average dummy 1.75m tall and weighing 77.6kg. The skeleton of a crash-test dummy is made of aluminium and steel, it has six pairs of ribs, and is covered by synthetic plastic to imitate a human chest. The skin layer is of vinyl that is stretched over the metal and plastic skeleton.

Obviously, crash dummies are inanimate objects and therefore have no brains. However, the way that some people drive on our roads leads me to wonder whether or not they also have no brains and are simply human-looking crash dummies behind the wheel.

As far as our crash dummies are concerned, it does not matter how many people are maimed and/or killed because of them. For them, the traffic fatality statistics are only brief talking points and topics for animated debate. But what really shocks me is that mainstream reports and the constant posting of traffic carnage captured on ubiquitous phone cameras, and distributed all over the Internet at the speed of light, are not abating the road carnage.

People constantly gawk at images of motor vehicles mangled beyond recognition, and with parts strewn all over the crash site. Included are either charred human remains or horribly disfigured and contorted dead bodies. Despite seeing such macabre scenes over and over and over again, our crash dummies continue to engage in high-speed, daredevil driving, while totally ignoring the traffic laws, disrespecting other road users, and putting the limbs and lives of other innocent road users at significant risk.

INVINCIBLE AND IMMORTAL

Our (apparently) brainless crash dummies behave as if they are invincible and immortal. Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, explained that the major areas of concerns regarding fatal crashes were overtaking where there are unbroken white lines in the road, and overtaking while approaching bridges. Excessive speeding, aggressive driving, fatigued driving, distracted driving, and several other bad driving practices are the other main causes of our road fatalities.

Speeding excessively can be deadly. People don’t seem to realise that even small motor vehicles weigh a lot. They usually weight anywhere from 990kg (2,183lb), to 1,360kg (2,998lb). When that amount of weight is hurtling ahead at a high rate of speed, it is extremely difficult to change the direction of travel, and the brakes are unlikely to stop the vehicle before a collision occurs. If a fast-moving vehicle collides with anything, it is disastrous. If it crashes into an immovable object, there will be devastation. Head-on crashes require the adding together of the speeds of the two vehicles involved; therefore, the result is always unimaginable carnage.

But our selfish and irresponsible crash dummies never think of possible impending disaster when they press the accelerator and steer wherever they please. They only live in the moment and cause death and destruction because of their stupidity. Their brief and dangerous reckless euphoria is fuelled by high levels of unadulterated imbecility. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identity our (brainless) crash dummies unless, and until, they reveal themselves by their tell-tale manner of dangerous driving.

MEN GREATER RISK-TAKERS

We know that, in Jamaica, men are far more likely to become involved in motor vehicle crashes than women. Men are greater risk-takers; they are more likely to drive when fatigued, and/or when intoxicated. On average, men drive faster than women, and therefore crash and die far more than women. Scientists blame the effect of testosterone for the aggression and risk-taking behind the wheel. Of course, youth also plays a huge role in road crashes and fatalities.

Thanks to the Road Safety Unit, I learnt that between 2018 and 2021, motorcyclists were killed the most on our roads. They were followed by drivers of private motor cars, pedestrians, passengers in private motor cars, and pedal cyclists. In all cases, the males outnumbered the females. Males between 20 to 24 years old were the most likely to be involved in fatal crashes. They were followed by males between 25 to 29, 55 to 59, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, and 40 to 44 years old.

We are not aware of the occupation of most of the fatal (vehicle) crash victims; but the unemployed were prevalent, and were followed by labourers, students, pensioners, farmers, security officers, taxi operators, businessmen, masons, auto mechanics, construction workers, drivers, truck drivers, police, and carpenters. Many other occupations were listed, but they were in the minority.

The best driver in the world can become involved in a motor vehicle crash, but crash dummies court disaster for themselves and everyone else nearby. The profile of a typical crash dummy is a careless, selfish, disrespectful, bumptious, aggressive, risk-taking, young man; a habitual rule breaker who is high on testosterone. He will likely be operating a motor cycle, or a private motor car. To avoid meeting our crash dummies by ‘accident’ – always expect the unexpected, and drive defensively.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.