HANS Device

A HANS device (Head and Neck Support device) is a safety collar worn by racing drivers that connects to their helmet and prevents the head from moving too far forward during a crash, protecting against serious neck and head injuries.

The HANS device looks like a horseshoe or U-shaped collar that sits around the back and sides of a driver's neck, resting on their shoulders and chest. It's made from carbon fiber, which makes it incredibly strong while remaining lightweight enough that drivers can wear it comfortably throughout long races.

This head restraint works by connecting to the driver's helmet using two tethers, one on each side. When a driver is involved in a crash, especially a frontal impact, their body is held back by the seat belts but their head naturally wants to keep moving forward. Without protection, this violent head movement can cause fatal injuries to the neck and skull. The HANS device prevents this by keeping the head and torso moving together as one unit.

During an impact, the device redistributes the forces away from the vulnerable neck area and spreads them across the stronger parts of the body like the chest, shoulders, and torso, which are already secured by the racing harness. This dramatically reduces the strain on the neck and has saved countless lives since becoming mandatory in professional racing.

HANS devices come in different sizes and angles to fit various body types and racing positions. For example, rally car drivers typically use a 30-degree or 40-degree angle version because they sit more upright in their cars, while formula car drivers need a 20-degree angle to match their reclined seating position. Getting the right fit is crucial for both safety and comfort.

The device is worn underneath the racing harness straps. Drivers put it on like a collar before buckling their 5-point or 6-point seat belt harness, which holds everything securely in place. The helmet tethers attach to specific anchor points on FIA-approved helmets.

Today, HANS devices are mandatory in virtually all forms of motorsport, from professional series like Formula One and World Rally Championship down to amateur racing and track day events. They became required equipment after proving their effectiveness in preventing basilar skull fractures and other fatal head and neck injuries that were tragically common in racing accidents before their widespread adoption.

For anyone participating in competitive motorsport, a head and neck restraint system is now as essential as wearing a helmet or having proper seat belts. Most racing organizations won't allow drivers on track without an approved device, and for good reason—the statistics clearly show these safety collars work.