Hans Device Safety

The death of drivers in the motor sports industry, including that of the popular Dale Earnhardt in the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR), prompted officials to mandate the use of a Head and Neck Support (HANS) device for all racers. Although some drivers complain about using the device, saying it is too bulky, the benefits have proven to outweigh the lack of comfort.

  1. History

    • Robert Hubbard, a biomechanical engineering professor at Michigan State University, invented the Head and Neck Support (HANS) safety device in the 1980s according to North Start Motor Sports. He tested and proved the device successful in impact sled tests with crash dummies in 1989.

    Description

    • The HANS device is composed of Kevlar and carbon-fiber material. Flexible tethers connect to the helmet of the driver on each side to prevent a whiplash motion if the driver has a collision. It has a total weight of around 1.5 lbs.

    Features

    • The HANS device has a collar worn by the driver after he is secure in the seat of the automobile. The collar slides over his head and the tethers connect on each side of the helmet for stability.

    Requirements

    • Formula 1 and Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) racers must use a HANS device. Also, the NASCAR association requires the HANS device be worn by drivers competing in all series, such as Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series.

    Benefits

    • The HANS device provides added protection for a driver involved in a head-on crash. According to Popular Mechanics, no fatalities from head or neck injuries occurred in any NASCAR series between 2001 and 2009 after the mandatory use of the HANS device began in 2002.