Challenge

Crash tests and dummies, created in the 1970s, have not been updated to reflect the current population or technological capabilities. This has resulted in a shocking safety disparity between men and women behind the wheel. Changes are needed to make cars as safe for women as they are for men. VERITY (Vehicle Equity Rules in Transportation) Now, a bipartisan coalition designed to shine a spotlight on the need to update crash testing standards, brought in APCO to help forge relationships across the political divide and bring visibility to this issue.

SOLUTION

APCO helped VERITY Now (VERITY) develop a strategy and creative campaign to bring this issue to the forefront in a time of intense partisanship. We identified former congresswoman Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke, former Global Vice-Chair–Public Policy for EY, to serve as co-chairs and worked with the team to gather signatures of respected supporters for a joint letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. We helped VERITY land a coveted spot in the 2021 SXSW festival, host the “Why are Car Regulations Killing Women?” panel and secure in-depth investigative TV pieces focused on gender equality that aired in more than 120 markets. We continue to coordinate events with key stakeholders and deliver messages in high-profile media coverage to keep the issue top of mind.

IMPACT

VERITY’s campaign captured the interest of the public, who shared content, signed petitions and contacted their representatives, building awareness among key stakeholders and policymakers. The campaign’s outreach helped secure bipartisan support for updated crash testing standards in Congress, which has taken the form of multiple bills being introduced in the U.S. House and Senate, as well as a provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that led to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. We will not stop until crash test safety standards make driving safe for all.