A Formula One car also has built-in safety features. Within the cockpit surround is a padded area designed to protect the driver�s head during an impact. A sixpoint harness, with straps that go around the driver�s shoulders, legs, and groin and meet in a single quick-release mechanism, is also built in. Since 2003 the wearing of the HANS (head and shoulder support) device has been mandatory. The HANS device, shown in Figure 5-5, prevents a driver�s head from being thrown forward or sideways in an impact � a classic cause of neck and spinal injuries in accidents.
To help drivers get out from what is an extremely confined space, the steering wheels are also removable. Before a driver is cleared to drive, he must be able to evacuate the car and then replace the steering wheel (to aid marshals moving the car from a dangerous position) within 10 seconds. Proving that he can do it once isn�t enough. Drivers are regularly asked to perform this manoeuvre to prove that they can.
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