During automobile racing accidents, the HANS restrains the forward motion of the head or whipping, reducing neck tension well below the safety standard established by independent testing laboratories recognized by the world's leading sanctioning bodies. As importantly, the HANS reduces the compression forces on the spine present when a driver wearing a helmet is subjected to the g-forces of an ac
cident. A single piece that rests on a race driver's shoulders, the HANS Device is comprised of a high collar with 'legs' that extend over the chest on either side of the torso. It is held in place by the shoulder belts of a standard racing safety harness. The collar portion is attached to the driver's helmet by tethers, which allow full movement of the helmeted head. In an accident, the HANS Device keeps the head relative to the torso, which is restrained by the safety harness. G-forces are transferred to the torso, but because of the high-mounted tethers the spinal compression also remains within a safe range.
