Crash dummies head to Smithsonian

It's official. The crash dummies are joining the slippers from the Wizard of Oz in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's collection.

The Department of Transportation and the Smithsonian announced the donation today saying that the dummies, Vince and Larry, who started "life" as part of a successful public service announcement effort to urge seat belt use, marked an era and took their place in history.

"We learned a lot from Vince and Larry about the importance of buckling up," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a statement. "They are a part of American culture and became household names while educating the public on seat belt use. Their message still holds true today."