Monday, July 1, 2013

What To Know About Head And Neck Restraint Systems

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By Stacey Massey


HANS, also referred to as head and neck restraint systems, are structures that are used as a safety precaution. Most commonly they are applied in racing sports and are sometimes compulsory for competitions and events in this sporting industry. These structures protect drivers from potential neck and head injuries as a result of serious crashes.

Typically these units are constructed from carbon-fiber. They are shaped like a U with the back of this U behind the nape of the neck and two arms that lie flat along the chest atop the pectoral muscles. Usually these systems are supported by the shoulders of wearers.

Units should be attached to the helmet only and not necessarily the whole body of a driver, seat of a car or seat belt. There are two anchors on either side that help with this attachment. In a 5- or 6-point racing harnesses, the belts should cross over the upper body and pass directly on top of this HANS device on the shoulders of a driver. The device then buckles in the center of their abdomen. These systems are therefore secured by the body of a driver and not the seat in which they sit.

The objective of these units is to restrict the head from going forward in crashes and accidents, but not restricting the neck from its movement. During these accidents, the majority of the body is decelerated by the presence of the seatbelt. However, the upper portion of the body maintains its velocity until the neck is able to decelerate it. With these units, the head is kept in position and energy is transferred to the seat, chest, seatbelt, shoulders and torso as the head of a driver decelerates.

The units were originally designed during the 1980s by doctor Robert Hubbard. It was developed in an effort to provide drivers of race cars with extra protection. Basilar skull fractures are common in this sport. In fact, many famous drivers have been killed because of this injury and usually the death is the immediate result. Sometimes individuals survive the fracture. Hubbard used is knowledge in the industry of biomechanical engineering in development of this unit.

Nowadays, most auto racing sanctioning groups require that drivers make use of these types of restraint systems for safety. It has been compulsory at all international events since 2009. Even monster truck drivers utilize these devices during events in order to stay safe and lower the risk of serious, even deadly, injuries.

There are many different companies that manufacture these products. The cost of units will differ but are usually hundreds. However, these are considered an investment worth making because they can potentially save the lives of users. The structures can be helpful in all vehicles that are being used at fast speeds or on rough terrains.

Head and neck restraint systems are often used for race car drivers. These devices, also known as HANS, are used as a safety measure. They are compulsory in many car-racing events and are known for reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by accidents.




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