Facts: 1. Sudden, extreme stretching of the neck muscles (Hyperflexion: head forward, hyperextension: head backwards)leads to the painful condition commonly known as whiplash. In extreme cases the injuries sustained can lead to permanent disability or death, but this is statistically very rare. 2. Hyperflexion and hyperextension are normally caused by an individual experiencing a high force of acceleration or deceleration with an unsupported neck, a situation which is made worse when the head mass is increased when wearing a helmet. 3. In kart racing, with unsupported necks (low back seats) and helmets, there are several scenarios where this situation can occur, including crashing into a barrier or tyre wall, and hitting or being hit by another kart. 4. A properly designed, constructed and fitted neck brace works in conjunction with the base of the helmet to reduce the possibility of hyperflexion and hyperextension by physically restricting the unwanted motion and creating an alternative load path through which to dissipate the kinetic energy created by the event to the relatively much stronger structure of the torso.
Make your own decision based on facts. Not opinion.
My opinion- I would resist any move to mandatory neck braces in karting as I believe that individuals should make their own decision, but I would rather wear a properly designed neck brace that addresses both hyperflexion and hyperextension than have high backed seats (which only covers hyperextension) imposed on us by well meaning "safetycrats".
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