Guest blogger: NHTSA Administrator David Strickland: Vince and Larry go to the Smithsonian; we can still learn a lot from a dummy

On behalf of Secretary LaHood and the entire Department of Transportation, it was my pleasure today to transfer the original Vince and Larry crash test dummy costumes to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Watch video of Vince and Larry crashing the party (about 38 seconds into the clip) at the Smithsonian

There may be later generations of crash test dummies that are more lifelike and have better technology, but it's hard to imagine any anthropomorphic test devices--that's the technical term for these dummies--having a greater impact on safety than Vince and Larry. From 1985 to 1998, they promoted seat belt use in countless public service announcements and posters. And they remain two of the most effective public safety ambassadors in automotive history.

They did their job effectively, too. Because, during that time, public opinion about seat belt use reversed itself, and thousands of lives have been saved.

With Museum Director Brent Glass and Diane Steed, former NHTSA Administrator at the birth of the Vince and Larry campaign

In 1968, when every new car in America came equipped with seat belts, only 10% of motorists used them. Today, we're up to a record high of 84%. Thanks to Vince and Larry, and the outreach of NHTSA and our safety partners, Americans have embraced the lifesaving benefits of buckling up.

But, along the way, Vince and Larry became more than just safety ambassadors; they became part of our culture. That's why I am so happy to see them assume a place in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Now they are a true piece of Americana. This is a moment of pride for everyone at DOT.

Even better than Vince and Larry finding a home at the Smithsonian is that they will become part of a larger collection documenting "Automotive Safety Initiatives" in America. The collection also includes one of the first 3-point seat belts from 1961, safe driving guides from AAA dating back to the 1920s, an original collapsible steering column introduced in 1967, and the first padded dashboard, designed by Dr. Clair Straith in the 1930s after seeing far too many crash victims in his surgery.

Denton ATD and General Motors are each donating a real crash test dummy. But, according to GM VP Mike Robinson, "Real crash test dummies don't quite live the celebrity lifestyle of Vince and Larry, and we hope the two we're donating today enjoy a well-deserved retirement."

Team NHTSA, longtime fans of Vince and Larry

And just because Vince and Larry have retired, don’t think for a minute that NHTSA is laying low on seat belt use. Vince and Larry’s message holds true today: “You can learn a lot from a dummy…Buckle your safety belt.”

I think it's positively amazing that the Smithsonian wants to celebrate automotive safety. Museum Director Brent Glass said today that, "This collection will try to illustrate the evolution of automobile safety from technological achievements such as air bags, seat belts and crash-test dummies, to the legislative and public-awareness campaigns that encouraged drivers and passengers to buckle up."

Well I think curator Roger White has done a tremendous job of that so far.

Here at NHTSA we pursue automotive safety every day; today we're happy to see that pursuit on display at the Smithsonian.

Actors Tony Reitano--Vince (right)--and Whitney Rydbeck--Larry (center)--with Curator Roger White (left)

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

People did learn alot from the dummies over 10 years or more and its nice to know they will keep on educating people on car safety at the Smithsonian for years to come. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Online Traffic School]

Online Traffic School course is helping people of many states about proper and safe driving according to there state specified rules.

[John Atwood]

The "dummies" have more intelligence than the combined intelligence of all of the curators.

[Automotive Mesa AZ]

Well I am seeing allot from fastlane group members, as vehicle safety is of great importance, and rightfully so. These classic crash test dummies, really open our eyes, considering 112 people or so die a day in car accidents; just in the US. As car accidents shall not cease, their is relief in a Calgary such as herein; they make confidence shine to the future of auto safety.