The Hans-device is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in motorsport, not just for its ability to prevent severe neck injuries but also for its capacity to reduce the overall impact of an accident. It distributes the forces from an accident across the driver’s shoulders, removing them from the fragile area of the neck. This not only prevents serious injury but allows the driver to drive at higher speeds and under greater g-force, which makes it easier to perform a turn while staying comfortable.
The HANS Device is designed to prevent injuries such as basilar skull fractures and other severe neck injuries that can result from sudden stops or rear impacts. It is currently mandated by most professional racing sanctioning bodies including NASCAR, NHRA, Formula 1, and CART as well as WOO and many other series. It was originally developed by Jim Downing and Dr. Robert Hubbard in the 1980s and is a significant advancement in head and neck restraint technology. It is not only used in racing but in other motorsports such as Motocross and karting as well as in aircraft, helicopters and even bicycles.
In simple terms, the hans-device Apex.se is a system that connects to both the helmet and the driver’s harness. A collar is fitted around the base of the drivers neck and two flexible tethers attach to anchor points on the drivers helmet. When a car crashes, the tethers are pulled tight and limit the movement of the driver’s head during an accident. This not only reduces the chance of severe injury but also helps to prevent the vehicle from crashing into a passenger, which can cause serious injuries and fatalities.
Although it is not possible to determine whether the hans-device would have prevented the deaths of Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin, it certainly prevented a tragic crash that claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt Sr’s oldest son Kerry. This tragedy led to the NASCAR series mandating HANs devices in their top three series on October 17, 2001.
The HANs device is now used by almost all professional race car drivers in the top racing series in the world. While some drivers do not feel it is necessary, most believe that the hans-device greatly increases their level of comfort and confidence behind the wheel. It has also been found to help them perform better in a race as it allows them to focus on the driving and not their neck pain. The hans-device is not only an essential piece of safety equipment for drivers but also for any person who enjoys fast, dangerous, and exciting motorsports. So if you want to get your hands on this innovative and effective piece of technology, why not give us a call today and we will be happy to assist. We can supply all the different types of HANs devices available from both manufacturers and we offer a fitting service as well. Call today for more information or a quote.