Safer Racing With Head And Neck Restraint Systems

By Teri Farley


Being in extreme sports such as racing is definitely fun and exciting. However, this could also be one of the most life threatening sports today. Indeed, being a race driver involves a lot of risks this is why one is encouraged to be responsible enough to consider some of the hottest head and neck restraint systems in the market today and maintain safety.

Basal skull fracture is said to be one of the most fatal injury in race car driving as it causes death. The main cause of such fracture would be the violent motion of an inadequately restrained head during crashes. That sudden impact of a car to a stationary post or area will cause a crack at the base of the skull, where most of the major blood vessels are found and cause rupture.

Restrain devices use straps to restrict movement s on the driver particularly on its head and neck. The vehicle's seat belt will hold the restraining device tight to the shoulders. Two straps, one from each side will be connected to the helmet, thus keeping the driver's head from moving away from the body. These devices are extremely useful during sudden impacts which could cause rouge head movements.

When one is considering to buy such device, a number of factors have to be considered. For starters, make sure that the device is SFI-approved. For a device to be considered efficient and safe, it should meet the specifications from either SFI 38.1 or FIA 8859. In fact, respected race car organizations mandated that all devices used should be within such guidelines.

When one is about to purchase his own system, it is highly important to some factors to ensure efficiency. Probably the most important factor to be considered when searching for the best system, is whether or not the manufacturer meet the specifications and requirements of the SFI 38.1. Failure to meet these requirements is a great red flag.

On the surface it may look like a minor injury, however this may not be the case during racing when sudden and heavy impact may cause movement which may fracture the base of skill, causing for the major blood vessels to rupture. With the safety straps on tow, movements on the upper part of the body is more restricted reducing the risk for fracture.

This includes comfort, ease of use and proper fitting. An ill fitted system is not only uncomfortable but also completely useless as this will not provide the proper restriction of movement during crashes. Therefore one is encouraged to have some test fitting before you pay for anything. Additionally, it is crucial for one to know how to fully operate the device without any hint of difficulty.

In addition to that, when searching for the most appropriate device test fitting is deeply encouraged. It is crucial to get the proper size on the device to get the proper fit and the proper restraint as well. Inadequate fit will only make you uncomfortable and the whole thing may not efficient at all. Ease of use is also important, one should get in and out of the straps without confusion.

Racing may be an adrenaline filled kind of sport this does not mean that one should forget to secure his safety. With head and neck restraint systems one will be a lot safer and be efficiently protected during minor bumps and major accidents.




About the Author: