[vincesanity82]

Recently, allegations have been made that the HANS Device does not work in side angular impacts. This is simply not true. It is contrary to proven results. Such distortions confuse and deceive the racing public. Independent testing, supported by General Motors Racing, Wayne State University and Safety Solutions, Inc., has demonstrated that HANS Devices reduce maximum neck tensions by over 35% in 60-degree "side" impacts in a typical racecar set up. -- HANS Performance Products


http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...2008,+12:26+PM

[DOF_power]

After Kubica's super-crash at the Canadian GP, everyone who thinks that "HANS Device does not work in side angular impacts" is an ignorant idiot.
Here's the proof:
YouTube - Kubica Crash Montreal 2007

[wingkey1]

Interesting read:

Head & Neck Restraints

Duck - know your racin'. Check out above. You're gonna have to sift through the marketing responses that are in defense of a product vs. true independent studies that suggest the optimum integration of available safety devices and systems in order to figure out what is best for your driver. Been there. Always self questioning. Even the HANS response seems to indicate a clear acknowledgement that the best driver protection integrates their offerings with other safety elements. Seems they've (HANS) felt "attacked" or their product questioned.

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by DOF_power

After Kubica's super-crash at the Canadian GP, everyone who thinks that "HANS Device does not work in side angular impacts" is an ignorant idiot.
Here's the proof:
YouTube - Kubica Crash Montreal 2007

Holy crap, that was one ugly impact...

[DOF_power]

Yep without HANS and other safety features and a lot of sheer dumb luck he would have been a goner.
So yes, HANS does absorb side angular impacts.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Interesting read:

Head & Neck Restraints

Duck - know your racin'. Check out above. You're gonna have to sift through the marketing responses that are in defense of a product vs. true independent studies that suggest the optimum integration of available safety devices and systems in order to figure out what is best for your driver. Been there. Always self questioning. Even the HANS response seems to indicate a clear acknowledgement that the best driver protection integrates their offerings with other safety elements. Seems they've (HANS) felt "attacked" or their product questioned.

Thanks Wing, we use the Hutchins. Primary reason is it was cheaper back in '01 than the Hans. Probably still is. I saw something the other day where Hans has made some "improvements" that enhances their side impact capabilities.

Still, they all work by keeping the helmet under control (and the head inside.) In Kubica''s crash, you can see him being jostled around as he comes to a stop at the 2nd wall. From it one can deduce if the initial impact knocked out the driver, serious injury could occur just because there's nothing keeping the head from "rolling around". F1 cars have the side support built into the seat & cockpit such that the amount of travel a driver's head can move side to side is limited.

I think it's good for racers (and crew) to see incidents like this 'cause it helps them remember the reason they spend all that time getting "dressed" to race.

Safety isn't an option.