Crash test dummies are gaining weight to more accurately reflect an average American’s body shape, WLS-TV reports.

“Studies show that obese drivers are 78 percent more likely to die in a car crash,” Chris O’ Connor, CEO of dummy-producer Humanetics, told ABC News.

“Typically you want someone in a very tight position with their rear against the back of the seat and the seat belt tight to the pelvis,” O’Conner added. “An obese person has more mass around midsection and a larger rear which pushes them out of position. They sit further forward and the belt does not grasp the pelvis as easily.”

According to The Washington Post, Humanetics is working on creating a new dummy to represent an obese American in car safety tests. The company is reportedly developing a model that tips the scales at more than 270 pounds and has a body max index of 35.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a 5′ 9” individual weighing more 203 pounds will have a BMI of 30 or higher and is considered obese. The CDC adds that approximately 34.9 percent of U.S. adults are obese. Furthermore, obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, are some of the leading causes of preventable death.

Humanetics’ obese dummy is likely, according to ABC News, to be ready for testing by the end of 2014.