The HANS (Head And Neck Support) Device, was mandated in 2002 to be worn by all drivers in 2002, with NASCAR becoming the world’s first major auto racing sanctioning body to do put such a rule in place. The head and neck restraint device is worn by drivers in all three national series as well as the lower level regional series.

There are two parts to the HANS Device:
 
1. Tethers are attached from the collars of the device to the both sides of the driver’s helmet. This is to keep the head and neck moving with the torso and not let the head lead or move in opposition to the torso.

2. Belts form a six-point harness attached to the seat hold the device in place on the driver’s shoulders. This limits the movement of the torso and the device works together with the shoulder belts to reduce the movement of the head and neck more than the torso.

With the device, the two tethers keep the head and neck stationary. Without it, the head and neck would move forward and to the side as the car is impacted or suddenly stops.