[Land-speed] Hans Device and Safety

Bryan Savage b.a.savage at wildblue.net
Fri Sep 5 10:06:15 MDT 2008


Good thinking John. 
Exit from a fire needs to be an instinctive habit. It requires no 
interference
and a lot of practice.
Bryan


John Romero wrote:
> Some rambling thoughts on my Hans.
>
> I have had a Hans for a couple of years but this Speedweek I stopped
> using it. The combination of the new lateral head restraint and the
> Hans just didn't work in my case. It was the old "10lbs of shit in a
> 5lb box" in my situation. Despite my seat being Hans compatible and
> always being fine before the lateral head restraint was installed, the
> added stuff on top of my shoulders just put me over the limit. The
> lateral head restraint blocked my normal exit path, moving my exit
> path a bit forward, (as I am sure it has affected everyone). This
> required a bit if gymnastics with my helmet that i simply could not do
> with the Hans on. I strongly suggest before buying one that you try
> one out with your full suit on and fully strapped in. Mine didn't
> become "over the edge" until I did so and tried my exit drill. I was
> amazed at the increased difficulty in exiting with the new side
> restraints and Hans device. In short, I couldn't exit my car without
> taking off the helmet and Hans. If my cars on fire I am NOT going to
> take off my gloves, then my helmet so I can exit. The Hans device on
> my shoulders prevented me from scrunching down my head/helmet to clear
> a roll bar and no scrunch meant no exit.
>
> I am looking into the R3 device. It is the one that runs down your
> back and does not use your shoulder straps to secure it.I am not
> knocking the Hans. I think it is *excellent* and it was the right
> choice for my previous setup buy my current interior configuration is
> pushing me in another direction. I am not comfortable running without
> something, even in the 175-200 mph range. If the Hans will physically
> fit in your situation then I highly recommend it.
>
> I have practiced some more with the Hans and I may again use it in the
> future but I am still not sure. In the safe environment of my shop I
> can now exit the car quickly with it on but it takes concentration and
> a very specific and precise set of movements, most of which I fear
> will abandon me in the panic of a fire.
>
> John


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