NASCAR Requires Restraints on Drivers

NASCAR Mandates Head Restraints for Drivers

Decision came after series of driver deaths

New York, October 19, 2001 -- According to reports from the Daily and the Associated Press, NASCAR is finally doing something to try to increase driver safety in its races. Reportedly, NASCAR announced that drivers in the Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series will be required to wear head-and-neck restraints effective immediately. The report notes that this decision comes after drivers Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Tony Roper, Dale Earnhardt and Blaise Alexander all died of basilar skull fractures in the past 17 months. According to the Daily, NASCAR has approved both the HANS and Hutchens devices restraint systems.

The decision follows criticisms of NASCAR for failing to take action sooner. The Orlando Sentinel writes, "No device is going to save everybody. As long as people tear around tracks at 200 mph, bad things are going to happen. The whole point is to do everything possible to minimize death, and NASCAR took its sweet time doing it." ESPN's Kenny Mayne added, "Criticism of NASCAR's commitment to safety should ease some," yet on ESPN.com, Jack Arute asked, "Why did NASCAR limit the mandate to its three top divisions. What about its regional touring series and weekly racing series?" For a driver reaction, the Richmond Times-Dispatch turned to Jeff Gordon, who said of NASCAR's decision, "This is a smart decision that will make racing safer for all drivers." Too bad so many feel the decision came too late.

Sources:

The Daily, 10/17/01

Associated Press, 10/17

Orlando Sentinel, 10/18

ESPN, 10/17

Matthew roberts