Monday, December 3, 2012

What You Should Know About Head And Neck Restraints

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By Brandie Montgomery


Various people could be captivated by racing. Such kind of sport could be really exhilarating, thrilling, and challenging. There could be various dangers that could lie in such sport though. It is usually associated with circuitous routes, daredevil stunts, and high speeds. Various racecar drivers have met their ends during events, tournaments, and practices. The causes of death will include burns, fractures, and concussions. Spinal and brain injuries could be among the common cause of death too. Various developments for racing safety have been made then. Among the latest introductions to driver's safety gear will be good head and neck restraints. Such devices could be quite helpful. Know them more regarding such devices and how they work.

Such devices are utilized in supporting the cervical and cephalic parts. Such devices will feature a U shape. They will be placed behind the neck. They will have two arms which will lay on the pectoral muscles too. Such device is supported primarily by the body, specifically the shoulders. They will be attached to the helmet only. It will not be also attached to car seats, body, or seat belts. It would be secured just by the body, not the car. Such device will actually reduce energy impact since the energy will be transferred to one's torso, shoulder, and chest. Energy could be transferred also to the belt and seat.

Injuries on the brain and spine would be effectively prevented with this. Sudden stops would be featured in car crashes and the body can be affected significantly. The seatbelts would help decelerate the body, but acceleration and momentum would keep the head forward. This can be given solution by the device. Deceleration would be stimulated for the cephalic part, so during crashes, whipping would not occur. Injuries like cerebral damage, basilar skull fracture, and whiplash injuries can occur with whipping.

Carbon fiber is primarily used for making this device. It would give proper support, strength, and customization. Some other materials can also be used. Some may use high strength polymers. These devices can also be lined with special fabrics. These fabrics can be fireproof and would prevent burn injuries to your cephalic part.

Such device was developed in the 1980s first. Dr. Robert Hubbard designed such device first. He was a professor of biomechanical engineering. He noticed that various racecar drivers died due to violent cephalic injuries.

The doctor worked as a biomechanical crash engineer before, giving him much knowledge, training, and expertise. In 1985, the first prototypes were made and in 1989, crash tests were performed. The majority of racing safety companies rejected these devices however. Only in 1994 did these devices gain interest, with the aftermath of many famous drivers' deaths.

These days, most racing organizations such as ARCA, NASCAR, and Formula One have stipulated already the wearing of such devices. V8 Supercar Series, CART, and World Rally Championship stipulated them as well. Sporting enthusiasts and professionals will need to don such device while racing.

Varied designs are already available nowadays. There will be standards with materials, safety, and design. It is utilized in other sports also such as monster truck events.

It will be really wise to wear head and neck restraints. Wearing these devices on races would be really crucial. These devices can really save lives.




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