After 50 years of research by the Volvo Cars Safety Centre, a new report shows that its cars have advanced their protection of vehicle occupants over the past half-century, protecting men and women in equal measure.

By comparing models from 2010-2019 with models from 1970-1979, it found that overall injury risk for drivers decreased by 79%. Broken down by demographic, the risk for males declined 78%, and the risk for females declined 88%.

“For too long, safety in the automotive industry has not worked equally well for everyone,” says Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

“Our latest research confirms that equal protection is not just an ambition, but something we have been able to achieve in Volvo cars for many years.”

The study analyzed real-world crash scenarios, focusing on belted occupants aged 13 and older, and examined injuries with “moderate potential to threaten life” while excluding minor injuries like bruises and pain. It found substantial improvements in occupant protection across all seating positions.