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Neck Braces
DickieB - 19/1/04 at 09:19 PM

I was following a thread on another forum, which was talking about tonight's Channel 5 programme on "Crashes that changed Racing". My comments beneath are copied from the other forum - the bit on neck braces may be of interest to you. Yes, I know we don't go very fast, but.....

HANS is excellent - but why is it so expensive - £1000 - £1500. Well beyond the reach of club racers. Yes we go slower, but then we are far less fit than F1 drivers and therefore can withstand far less. If HANS was nearer £500 then I might be able to afford it, or persuade the old man to but it for me, but £1000+ is way too much.

On a related issue, the other day I went to the UK research establishment that did the research on neck braces for the MSA. I had heard that neck braces were bad for you as they merely raised the breaking point by 2 vertabrae and therefore made the break deadly. This is not the case

The neck brace prevents the head from rotating too far forward and over extending. What it does is induce shear forces as the head tries to move horizontally forward. The neck is much better at withstanding shear forces than extension and thus your life is saved. However if the accident is really hideous, then yes the final over-extension break will be 2 vertabrae higher, but then without the neck brace you would have died far earlier anyway.

As a result of my visit, I went out and bought a neck brace and will race with it this year. It's a no brainer (no pun intended)

Richard Brown

D Beddows - 20/1/04 at 10:42 PM

Indeed, I was stood just after the bridge over the track at Mallory 2 seasons ago when the Caterham went into the tyre wall killing the driver. It wasn't a huge impact in racing terms (I've seen MUCH more spectacular crashes that the driver has walked away from) but allegedly he wasn't keen on his harness being too tight and he wasn't wearing a neck brace and well............ yes, obviously there are other variables to consider in freak accidents like that but I went out and bought Mr Townsend a neck brace with my own money after that and you'll notice that he wears it.

Like they say motor racing IS dangerous

Dave

DickieB - 20/1/04 at 11:14 PM

quote:

Like they say motor racing IS dangerous


Agreed Dave, but we should do all we can or can afford to make it safer. Especially once we are made aware of the benefits of some of these things. Why has there not been an article in Motorsport Now (MSA Mag) about it.

In fact, I think I'll write to them.
Dickie

catflap - 19/6/04 at 05:55 PM

I caught the same program on discovery recently, and it really made me think.

Although I only do track days, the potential dangers remain. I immediately had a look at the hans device and came to the same conclusion that it is the ideal option but too expensive for my budget right now (then again, how do we put a price on our safety?)

I will be getting a neck brace for my next track day, Im sure many will laff.

DickieB - 20/6/04 at 08:15 PM

Catflap
Let them laugh - after all the last laugh would be on you....
Dickie

Jon Ison - 20/6/04 at 09:25 PM

Made me think, i would,nt ever get in a banger car without one, then jump into a car capable of 130+ and dont bother, think i will from now on,

Thanks for the post.

ProjectLMP - 24/6/04 at 09:12 PM

I moved to the Canada from the UK and have just bought a Hans for under $1000 US. I might be able to get you one and ship it as a used item. Should work out to nearly half the price with shipping etc.

skydivepaul - 24/1/05 at 02:23 PM

Do you know which is the best neck brace to buy?
HANS still a bit pricey for me even though i think i saw them for sale at the motorsport show for about £800.00
Cheers

Paul