NASCAR Safety Rules

The sport of NASCAR has come a long way since its early days. Drivers are better equipped to avoid injury, with the number of serious accidents having decreased in recent years. From the gear worn to the safety features of the cars and tracks, these safety rules are there to keep drivers away from harm.

  1. The HANS Device

    • Wearing the HANS device, also known as the Head and Neck Support, is mandated in all of NASCAR's top series to protect drivers from head and neck injuries that may result from high speed impact. The device is connected to the driver's helmet, with a brace coming over the shoulders to provide support.

    The SAFER Barrier

    • The SAFER barrier is a type of guardrail system used in most tracks on the NASCAR circuit to lessen the impact caused on a driver during an accident. Foam supports are placed between an inner and outer wall, and when a car makes impact, the energy is spread over a larger portion of the wall, decreasing the impact.

    Restrictor Plates

    • The uses of restrictor plates is mandated at several of the circuit's larger speedways to control the top speed of cars. Restrictor plates are placed between the carburetor and the intake manifold of the car and impact safety in many ways for both driver and fans visiting the track.

    Fire Retardant Clothing

    • Depending on the speed of impact a NASCAR car is involved in, an accident may catch fire and leave the driver seriously injured. To cut down on the number of drivers injured by fire, NASCAR requires that all drivers and their pit crew wear flame retardant gloves, fire suits and shoes.

    The Car of Tomorrow

    • The Car of Tomorrow (COT) is the current car used in NASCAR's Sprint Cup competition. The COT was developed with safety in mind by placing the driver's seat more towards the center of the vehicle and increasing the length and height. There is more cushion between the wall and a driver when an accident occurs.

    Pit Crews

    • Following several instance of injury to member of the pit crew, NASCAR has implemented rules regulating the number of men who can go over the wall to service a car. A driver must come to a complete stop before any member of the pit crew can jump over the wall.