HANS Device / Head and Neck Support / FHR System

HANS Device

Author

Pierre Kaffer

Professional racing driver, ESC instructor, former factory driver Audi, Ferrari & Porsche

What is the HANS device?

The HANS device is a safety restraint that rests on the shoulders and is connected to the helmet by two tethers. In a frontal impact it stops the head being thrown forward uncontrolled while the body is held by the harness - the mechanism behind a basilar skull fracture. Before the HANS device was introduced, that injury was one of the most common causes of death in racing accidents.

How it works

The HANS device consists of a moulded collar (the yoke) that sits behind the neck on the shoulders and is held in place under the shoulder straps of the harness. Two tethers connect the yoke to the helmet. In an impact the tethers limit the forward travel of the head while the yoke spreads the load across the shoulders. The movement is decelerated in a controlled way rather than stopped abruptly.

HANS in racing versus on a trackday

In professional motorsport a HANS device (or an equivalent FHR system) is mandatory. At trackdays it is usually optional, but strongly recommended for drivers who regularly run close to the limit. The combination of HANS, roll cage, racing bucket seat and six-point harness gives you maximum protection. One caveat: a HANS device only works with a compatible helmet that has the anchor points fitted.

Safety at ESC

Safety comes first at ESC trackdays. Our CarForGo cars carry all the safety equipment you need for enthusiastic driving. If you arrive with your own HANS device, you are welcome to use it. In the briefing your instructor will run through the safety equipment. Drive fast, drive safe.