The HANS device (Head And Neck Support device) is a safety item compulsory in many car racing sports. Primarily made of carbon-fibre, the device wraps around the racing helmet and sits on the shoulders, fixing the driver to the seat. This reduces the chances of head or neck injuries, particularly a basal skull fracture , in the event of a crash
The device was designed in the early 1980s by Dr. Robert Hubbard, a professor of biomechanical engineering at Michigan State University. After talking to his brother-in-law, road-racer Jim Downing, it was decided that some sort of protection was required to help prevent injuries from sudden stops, especially during accidents. The primary cause of death amongst drivers during races was through violent head movements, where the body remains in place because of the seat belts but the momentum keeps the head moving forwards.
Many drivers found it difficult to get used to the device, claiming it to be uncomfortable, more restrictive and fearing that it would cause more injuries and problems than it prevented. Some stated that the positioning of the device made the seat belts feel less secure or rubbed on the shoulders of collar bone.
Events and series using the device
In NASCAR the device became the exclusive head and neck safety device used in 2005. Previously both the HANS and Hutchens device had been allowed. Champcars made the device compulsory for oval tracks in 2001 and Formula One followed soon after. Monster truck drivers have also used the HANS device in many events.
References
Schilke, Nancy (2001). "The HANS Device - a head and neck support system", referenced 23 January, 2005.
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