I am not sure if I am alone with this, but I dislike the concept of safety issues being compulsory. I am not against helmets on pushbikes, or seat belts, helmets, HANS devices, whatever, I just object to the point that we are forced to do it/wear it.
There is no doubt that I would still wear a helmet and fasten seat belts whilst racing if it was not mandatory, but it should be my choice.
I am 71 and hope to continue with my racing for a few more years. I hope it will be my choice when I stop - and not because someone somewhere has decided that age should be a barrier.
I think that if forced to do things by 'them', one tends to hand over resonsibility, and starts to assume that 'they' will be in control of your fate. I for one was pleased to see the 'use by date' on seat belts relaxed. I am sure the supplier/manufacture chain was not, because they were the sole beneficiaries.
At the moment I don't wear a HANS device, I will alter that choice in the light of changing circumstances. If someone somewhere were to make that compulsory I would have to think serious about continuing to race. I want the choice to be mine.
I am all for regulations that protect third parties, but we have to be responsable for our own safety. If it is thought that something aids driver safety, then it should be recommended, and information supplied as to why. The choice should be given to the only person it applies to, you the driver.