Monday, March 4, 2013

Facts About Head And Neck Restraint Systems

By Ava Hudson


The increase in the number of deaths in the motor sports industry, including that of Dale Earnhardt, has prompted officials and associations to require racers to use head and neck restraint systems when racing. These devices are recognized as among the most essential safety innovations developed for modern racing. Although many drivers still continue to complain about how they are too uncomfortable and bulky, the benefits in using them go a long way.

People who wish to join car racing sports will always be mandated to make use of restraint systems. These are employed to avoid and reduce the probability of racers suffering from injuries incurred to their heads or necks should crashes take place. These devices restrain the heads of drivers securely, directing away the impact on their necks should an accident be met.

These devices are made from carbon fiber. They are shaped U and are set right over the back nape. Two arms will be laying flat on the chest just over the pectoral muscles. They will be attached to the helmets, not to belts or seats, and will generally be supported by the shoulders. Restraint systems are secured not with the seats but with the bodies of the drivers.

Restraining devices are typically structured so your head will not whip forward when an accident takes place. They do this without actually restricting your neck movement though. During an accident, your unprotected body is expected to decelerate because of the seat belt but your head will maintain a velocity until your neck decelerates it. With this restraining device, however, your body position will be kept relative as impact will be transferred on your stronger body parts.

Restraining devices should always come as durable materials since they are made to prevent impact. They should also come with certification stickers which do not have expiry dates. One important thing to note though is to keep them far from heat or sunlight so they can last longer. A lot of these devices are made with simple designs. They may only have lightweight padding, helmet tethers and carbon fiber collars.

It is important for these to perfectly fit over the shoulders of drivers. The tethers they come with will be used in anchoring them to helmets. Standard seat belts usually fit with them perfectly and some can even be tightened further. Restraint systems are very lightweight. Without the padding and tethering, they weigh at around one pound although heavy series may weigh in at around two pounds.

It may be best for racers to prepare helmets that have pre-drilled holes for fitting when using restraints. Although these can fit just about all styles of helmets, there are some helmets that have been structured for these special restraints. Making use of these will certainly make the installation procedure a lot easier and less time-consuming.

There are so many options for where interested racers can purchase their own restraining systems. Many will automatically head down the nearest car or motorcycle shops in town. Seeking help from sales associates in deciding which devices are best for use may help in hastening the search.

Other people might prefer doing online shopping. This option is not only time-efficient but can be cost-efficient as well since many online sellers offer secondhand head and neck restraint systems. It is important to ensure that the devices bought online have no defects though.




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