Simpson Continues Push for Safety Around The World

It was 20 years ago that a safety revolution began in motorsports following the hellish weekend at the Imola circuit in Italy, where drivers Roland Ratzenberger and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna were killed in separate crashes.

The first fatal Formula 1 accidents in 186 Grand Prix races led to worldwide mourning and an intense focus on safety by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. The improved level of safety in motor racing is a fitting tribute to the two drivers who lost their lives.

One of many outcomes from the push for improved safety was the introduction of the HANS Device to F1, the first head restraint mandated in major international competition.

The HANS and the Simpson Hybrid Pro head restraints are currently certified by the FIA, which requires use of this approved equipment in international circuit and rally competition. But the effort to improve safety around the world by the use of head restraints at the national level continues, said Chuck Davies, CEO of Simpson Performance Products.

"Not all national series require head restraints," said Davies. "At Simpson we are working to educate drivers in auto racing on the value of using head restraints, head surrounds and six-point and seven-point safety harnesses. In addition to the resources of our international dealer network and field representatives, we are using social media such as the Facebook page of Simpson in the U.S. and Simpson Europe to help keep drivers, their teams and families informed."

Recent sled tests at the CAPE facilities in Indianapolis demonstrated that fatal head and neck injuries can result from a sudden deceleration of 42 mph in frontal collisions. The tests proved the old adage that it's not how fast you go, but how fast you stop that determines the extent of injuries. The test can be viewed on the Simpson channel of YouTube in the video "15 Minutes Can Save Your Life."

The same video demonstrates how a six-point harness system and head surrounds can more effectively stop the chest, the neck and the head in accidents.

Details and information about Simpson Performance Products are available at www.teamsimpson.com or by calling 1-800-654-7223. Since 1959, Simpson Performance Products has been the leading manufacturer of safety equipment for the Motorsports industry. Simpson believes in putting safety first, and we are dedicated to elevating the standards of racing safety through continuous development, refinement and testing.