HANS (Head and Neck Support) is a head and neck protection system for automobile racing drivers, which was designed to prevent injuries to these critical areas of the body in the event of a frontal or side impact.
It consists of two parts: a collar that is placed around the driver’s neck and harnesses that connect the collar to the head. The HANS is made of lightweight materials such as carbon or polycarbonate, tailored to be comfortable and safe for the rider.
When an impact occurs, the harnesses restrict the movement of the head and neck, preventing serious injuries to the rider’s integrity. Its impact has been notorious since its introduction, so much so that it is mandatory in many car races (Formula 1 and Formula E, for example), being recommended for all competitions in general, regardless of the skill level or category of the drivers.
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Safety First
HANS was created in the mid-1980s. It was developed by Robert Hubbard, a professor of biomechanics, after losing a friend and colleague in a racing accident. As a result, he began researching solutions to prevent neck and head injuries in the event of an impact, and came up with this device.
However, it was not until 1991 when it was first introduced in competition, extending its use gradually throughout the 1990s and 2000s, to figure today as an essential element of driver safety.
Its importance, as mentioned above, is enormous after appearing as one of the most important elements of pilot safety, saving lives in case of an accident.
Among its advantages, the following stand out: Prevention of serious injuries, since it is effective in preventing serious neck and head injuries in case of a frontal or side impact, mandatory in many races, improving safety significantly and recommendation for all motor racing drivers.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
