Modern equipment worn today by race drivers, the HANS (Head And Neck Support ) is by far the greatest innovation in safety the last thirty years . Designed by Dr. Hubbard, a professor at the University of Michigan in the United States. In an accident, this piece of carbon fibre prevents whiplash injury (rupture of the cervical vertebrae).

This safety device became mandatory in Formula 1 in 2003 and was gradually introduced in other disciplines of motorsport and endurance racing in particular. Placed on the driver's shoulders, two straps attached to a neck connect to fasteners placed on either side of the helmet and significantly reduce the load between the head and neck in the event of sudden deceleration. The momentum of his head and helmet must be absorbed to reduce the risk of a rupture of cervical vertebrae. Unlike other safety devices such as belt-tighteners or airbags that require external trigger, this system is passive. Tests show that it reduces head movement by 44% and force exerted on the neck by 80%.

From the start of its introduction, it was quickly adopted by drivers as an additional means to ensure their safety, as stated by Johnny O'Connell, Corvette Racing driver: "We all think that we will never have a serious accident. But tin case of any eventuality, I never get into a race car without my HANS. I know, just like my helmet, it is a device that can save me. "

In this video ; the adoption of the HANS system by ORECA drivers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Commentary in French

For more video clips go to :  www.lemans-tv.com

Thierry Arman / ACO