Hutchens device
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The Hutchens device is a device for protecting race car drivers in the event of an accident by controlling head movement, reducing head and neck injuries due to whiplash. It consists of a series of straps, attached to the helmet and connected across the chest and at the waist, depending on the lap belt for anchoring. [1] The device was developed beginning in 2000.
From 2001 until 2005 NASCAR mandated that drivers use either the Hutchens device or the HANS device. Beginning in 2005 the Hutchens device was no longer sanctioned as an acceptable restraint device as it failed to live up to its former performance claims when tested to the independent SFI 38.1 standard. [2]
[edit] References
- ^ Commercial link with diagrams and description of the device WARNING: commericial link
- ^ http://www.mmrmotorsports.com/hutchens.html NASCAR mandates HANS instead of Hutchens device, link inaccessible in December 2006 (last accessed in 2005)