Some have actually argued the value of the Head and Neck restraint devices. In this image, we see where a driver in the Indy 500 hit the wall at around 200MPH and survived...photo capture courtesy of The Indianapolis Star.
OK, so the Hans and other devices don't cover all of the bases. I heard recently from a reader who implored me to do more to promote information about safety, and we will. He also expressed concern over my pushing of the H&N devices for all race car drivers because it didn't protect the driver from all injuries.
All I can say to anyone who doubts how effective these things are is look at this photo. At the point and time of impact, the drivers head is where the steering wheel is supposed to be. His helmet is seen to the left of the A in ABC. It was back on top of the B just before impact. The safer barrier is pushed all of the way to the original wall.
This hit must have registered well over 70 G's, the widely accepted threshold for human survival and would have been certain death from Basil skull fracture if he were not protected. This man walked away with some broken vertibrae that will heal and he will live to race again. Will you?