In her book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach discusses a study published in the Journal of Trauma in 1995 by Albert King, which highlights the significant impact of cadaver research on vehicle safety. King's findings indicate that advancements derived from testing with cadavers have led to the saving of approximately 8,500 lives annually since 1987, showcasing the critical role that human remains can play in improving safety measures.

The analysis revealed that specific impacts of cadaver research are striking; for instance, each cadaver subjected to crash testing contributed to saving 61 lives through the development of three-point seat belts, while tests involving air bags saved 147 lives per year. Furthermore, cadavers used to simulate head impacts against windshields helped save an additional 68 lives annually. Such statistics emphasize the vital importance of this research in reducing fatalities on the roads.