Frontal head restraints (FHR) will become compulsory for competitors in multi club level and club level rally events from 2019 and 2020 respectively.
The changes follow the findings of the recent review into safety in rallying undertaken by the Australian Institute of Motor Sport Safety (AIMSS).
Frontal head restraints are designed to reduce injury by limiting forward head movement during periods of rapid deceleration. Common examples of these restraints include the HANS device and the Simpson ‘Hybrid’ harness style device.
The changes will come into effect for multi club level events from 1 January 2019 and club level events from 1 January 2020.
CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said the changes were about improving safety for competitors at every level.
“The benefits of frontal head restraints have been proven in research undertaken throughout the world,” Arocca said.
“We have seen in Australia that these devices have unquestionably saved lives and reduced the seriousness of any injuries.
“There will be a small cost to competitors to fit this equipment in their vehicle, but ultimately there is no price you can put on your life or that of your co-driver.”
Frontal head restraints have been compulsory in National and State level rally events since 2015.
“We all know that motor sport is dangerous, but we have to do whatever we can to reduce the risks and ensure that competitors are using the best equipment to reduce the chances of suffering a serious injury or worse.”
CAMS has put together a FAQ on the introduction of frontal head restraints in lower level rally events, which is available to view here.
