HANS Devices - Discussion from Andy Neate thread.

[Al Weyman]

Does anyone mind me asking this as I have wondered since the thread started but did not like to ask but now it seems Andy is on the mend although sadly not racing again which as a father of three I can understand as its a struggle at the best of times with three kids to raise and I knocked it on the head for a good while then came back so he can always make a future comeback but getting back to my question. In light of the nature of the injuries to the neck was Andy wearing a HANS device? I ask this as someone who has neck problems probably bought about by crashes substained in racing (dont worry its not critical and has been checked and xrayed or I would give up, just sore) and would contemplate HANS.

[Chris Y]

I'm not entirely sure, but didn't he hit the wall backwards? If so, I doubt whether HANS would have done much good.

[flagwaver]

On a another forum it says Andy was wearing a HANS device and that it may have saved his life.
From what I gather the car did hit the wall backwards but then went into the track and was then hit by another car on the drivers side.

[Eddy V]

Off topic (sorry for that): Al, a Hans would probably help. I have the same neck problem (C2 / C3) and I would not hesitate to go racing again. After all, you still have your neck problems while driving your road car. If it goes wrong there, the outcome can even be worse than the racing incident. Or even a simple fall in the bathroom may end all.

I practiced a lot not to turn my head in a sudden move or when you are going over some bump. Helps a bit. Muscle training of the neck helps as well.

[Peter Mallett]

These posts have been removed from the original Andy Neate thread because they merit their own discussion. Very good question Al.

[steveng]

My understanding of Hans devices is that they offer fantastic flexion/extension safety and to some extent twisting or rotational help but I cannot see how they can offer much full lateral support. For that I think you either need one of those seats with 'wings' in a saloon or the cockpit protectors in a single seater.
One of the problems with the former is that they make it hard for the rescue guys to hold one's neck during extrication. If, however, their presence means that one doesn't have an injury that's okay..

[midgetman]

I've been converted. I'm getting one for next year. I can't get a side-winged seat in my car.

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by steveng

My understanding of Hans devices is that they offer fantastic flexion/extension safety and to some extent twisting or rotational help but I cannot see how they can offer much full lateral support. For that I think you either need one of those seats with 'wings' in a saloon or the cockpit protectors in a single seater.
One of the problems with the former is that they make it hard for the rescue guys to hold one's neck during extrication. If, however, their presence means that one doesn't have an injury that's okay..

HANS devices work very well.. But YES you also need a seat with a Head / helmet support.

[Tim Falce]

The trouble I have is that I have problems with my neck and now like to use a neck/head support. This helps although I am fully aware that it doesn't offer the same type of protection that the HANS does but the HANS wont offer any cornering support so what solution is there for people like me?

[Sarah Jane Burrows]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

Does anyone mind me asking this as I have wondered since the thread started but did not like to ask but now it seems Andy is on the mend although sadly not racing again which as a father of three I can understand as its a struggle at the best of times with three kids to raise and I knocked it on the head for a good while then came back so he can always make a future comeback but getting back to my question. In light of the nature of the injuries to the neck was Andy wearing a HANS device? I ask this as someone who has neck problems probably bought about by crashes substained in racing (dont worry its not critical and has been checked and xrayed or I would give up, just sore) and would contemplate HANS.

Hi Al

Just a quick response, Andy was wearing a Hans device when he had the accident. I know for sure Andy would recommend using them, the chances are that even though he still sustained a neck injury, the outcome could have been far worse had he not been wearing his Hans device.

Andy's problem was that when hitting the pit wall and also being hit side on the car's floor unfortunately pushed in, lifting his seat, which in turn pushed his head into the roof space. Because of the lack of room in the car and obviously the type of accident he had, this is what caused his broken neck.

A Hans device is there to protect you, it would be strongly advisable to have one, my personal opinion is that they should be a statutory requirement. But again I reiterate, I know Andy would recommend you used one

SJ

[blue nose]

I was led to believe they only work if you hit head on.

[Tim Falce]

Thanks for the post Sarah and welcome to 10 Tenths

[AU N EGL]

Originally Posted by falcemob

The trouble I have is that I have problems with my neck and now like to use a neck/head support. This helps although I am fully aware that it doesn't offer the same type of protection that the HANS does but the HANS wont offer any cornering support so what solution is there for people like me?

An 3R Unit

[Stuart H]

Does any one know why the HANS device are soooooooooooo expencive? ???

I've been thinking of getting one bu the price has put me off!!

[1200Datto27]

Originally Posted by blue nose

I was led to believe they only work if you hit head on.

And up to ~45 degrees either side, they also help stopping the head from rotating rapidly in a laterally sliding impact (such as Earnharts) Essential thay are designed to "fill the gap" between the lateral head restraint ears on the seat, so that you head is controlled and prevented from over extension in all directions during a crash.

[johnw]

There is a less expensive Sport model made from thermoplastics rather than carbon fibre, so a miniscule weight penalty for what appeared to be a good saving - Circa $725 US when I was there last - but that was when there were $2.05 to the £

I guess that UK suppliers must stock the same?

An eared seat is a must IMHO.

[RF_Racer]

www.ears.ie

They are selling Stand 21 Hans.

I think the MSA should make them mandatory in all forms of clubs racing in the UK. £500 is nothing when you consider it can save your life in event of an accident.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by RF_Racer

www.ears.ie

They are selling Stand 21 Hans.

I think the MSA should make them mandatory in all forms of clubs racing in the UK. £500 is nothing when you consider it can save your life in event of an accident.

Haven't we had this discussion before?

[RF_Racer]

I am sure it has been said many times by many people, just making the point again

[Tim Falce]

But then we'll need proof again.

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by RF_Racer

I am sure it has been said many times by many people, just making the point again

then I will make the point again that it's my neck and I will make the decision, I do not want to be told. Carrot, not stick, please.

[Peter Mallett]

I've got an eared seat and a hans device. The trouble is, entry and exit is hampered by the seat ears.

[Teletubby]

Originally Posted by steveng

My understanding of Hans devices is that they offer fantastic flexion/extension safety and to some extent twisting or rotational help but I cannot see how they can offer much full lateral support. For that I think you either need one of those seats with 'wings' in a saloon or the cockpit protectors in a single seater.
One of the problems with the former is that they make it hard for the rescue guys to hold one's neck during extrication. If, however, their presence means that one doesn't have an injury that's okay..

The wings, whilst a bit of a nuisance don't really make it that hard to either hold somebody's head or extricate them, we have ways of making the wings disappear if they really are in the way!

They do, however, make a real difference in the eveny of a lateral impact and are woth having just for that, after all the chance os needing to be extricated are very small indeed, and less with this type of seat.

I'm surprised Sam hasn't appeared yet with rumours of evidence that HANS doesn't work.

[midgetman]

There is a Sport version avalable in the UK which is about 1kg heavier than the carbon fibre one. The Stand 21/TRS Sport is even rumoured to be coming down in price next year, to about EUR500, currently it's about GBP540.

MGDavid, yes I understand where you're coming from but things have happened to me that have changed my p.o.v. in the last month or so ;-)

IIRC it's compulsory in Irish motorsport next year, or is that only stage rallies?

[Al Weyman]

Thanks Sarah.

Funny enough I stuck a neck brace on for the first time yesterday as I cannot wear it in my other car as I need to see the centre console and guess what I slammed it into the pit wall! No were near as hard as Andy of course and probably doing only about 50 or 60mph (it was on the first lap out the assembly area so don't laugh!) but may have been fate because my neck felt fine afterwards and it was quite a whack!