In a 1995 Journal of Trauma article entitled "Humanitarian Benefits of Cadaver Research on Injury Prevention," Albert King calculated that vehicle safety improvements that have come about as a result of cadaver research have saved an estimated 8,500 lives each year since 1987. For every cadaver that rode the crash sleds to test three-point seat belts, 61 lives per year have been saved. For every cadaver that took an air bag in the face, 147 people per year survive otherwise fatal head-ons. For every corpse whose head has hammered a windshield, 68 lives per year are saved.
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.
