NASCAR adds new rule: Don't exit car after crashes

BROOKLYN, Mich. - NASCAR added a rule Friday barring its drivers from approaching the track or moving cars after accidents, less than a week after driver Kevin Ward Jr. was struck and killed during a dirt-track race in New York.

If a car is involved in an accident and can no longer keep going - and no extenuating circumstances exist such as smoke in the cockpit or fire - the driver should not loosen any personal safety equipment until directed to do so by safety personnel or a NASCAR or track official. After being told to exit the car, the driver should proceed to an emergency vehicle or as otherwise directed.

The rule takes effect immediately and applies to all of NASCAR's series.

But as CBS News' Chip Reid reports, the rule is not really new.

"Really, we're formalizing rules that have been there," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition and racing development. "It's reminders that take place during drivers meetings with drivers about on-track accidents."

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nascar-adds-new-rule-dont-exit-car-after-crashes/