5 key safety improvements that saved lives in NASCAR

NASCAR has made major changes to improve driver safety in the last 20 years. The tragic death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001 forced NASCAR to introduce many important safety measures. As a result, there have been no fatalities in the Cup, Xfinity, or Truck Series in the last ten years.

The safety improvements include advanced crash barriers and driver protection devices. Engineers also use crash data to improve car safety, so that each race is safer than before. These changes have significantly reduced head injuries and provided drivers with enhanced security during crashes.

Additionally, NASCAR remains committed to enhancing safety through the development of improved helmets, seat designs, and seat belts. As technology progresses, we can anticipate further advancements in safety innovations.

Here, we look at five key safety improvements in NASCAR that have made a big difference in saving lives.

#1 Black Boxes for Crash Data

All NASCAR cars include black boxes that record crash data. Introduced in the early 2000s, they help engineers and safety teams understand accidents and improve car designs and safety features.

NASCAR has been able to continuously improve driver safety standards by analyzing crash data.

---

#2 Full-Face Helmets

NASCAR made full-face helmets a must for all drivers. These helmets distribute the force of a crash across the entire head, protecting drivers from facial injuries and debris. They are a cornerstone of NASCAR's commitment to driver safety in high-speed accidents.

---

#3 HANS Device

The HANS (Head and Neck Support) device introduced in the early 2000s was one of the most important safety improvements in NASCAR.

It became mandatory after Dale Earnhardt’s death and has since saved many lives by reducing the risk of fatal injuries like basilar skull fractures. This kind of fracture occur when the body is restrained but the head continues moving.

The HANS devices help keep a driver’s head from snapping forward or to the side in a crash and thus prevent serious neck injuries.

---

#4 SAFER Barriers on NASCAR tracks

SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers, also known as "soft walls," are placed around tracks to absorb the impact of crashes.

Full-face helmets were introduced in 2002, and by 2005, they had been fully implemented on all oval tracks. These barriers use steel tubes and foam blocks to reduce the force of a collision and help protect drivers from serious injuries. Nearly all NASCAR tracks now use these barriers.

---

#5 Improved Seatbelts

Lastly, NASCAR updated its seatbelt system from a five-point harness to a six-point one in 2017. The new belts provide more support to the driver’s legs and body. They reduce sternum injuries during crashes and allow for quicker exits from the car.

Today, NASCAR requires drivers to use at least a seven-point harness. Each belt helps protect drivers in different kinds of crashes.