Tony Stewart Kills Driver: NASCAR Makes Rule Prohibiting Drivers From Exiting Cars During Races Following Kevin Ward Jr.'s Death [VIDEO]

Following last weekend's tragic events that saw Tony Stewart strike and kill Kevin Ward Jr. after Ward left his car during a race, NASCAR has implemented a rule prohibiting drivers from leaving their vehicles during on-track incidents.

ESPN reports that NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton announced on Friday that if there are any on-track incidents going forward, drivers can't exit their cars unless "extenuating circumstances exist."

The new rules call for drivers that are involved in incidents that leave them unable to make forward progress to shut off electrical power, lower the window net and then wait for safety personnel or a NASCAR official to arrive at the scene without removing any personal safety equipment.

The rule states, "At no time should a driver or crew member approach any portion of the racing surface or apron" or "approach another moving vehicle."

The rule change comes in light of Sprint Cup Driver Stewart striking and killing Ward with his car during a dirt track race in upstate New York last Saturday. The incident occurred when Stewart clipped Ward's car and sent it spinning, leading to Ward getting out of his car and approaching Stewart while the race was still going on, and eventually being struck and killed by Stewart's car.

"Throughout the history of our sport, NASCAR has reviewed and analyzed situations and occurrences that take place not just in NASCAR racing but also throughout all motorsports and other sports," Pemberton said. "When we believe we can do something to make our sport safer and better for the competitors and others involved in the competition environment, we react quickly. Safety always has been priority No. 1 at NASCAR."

The rule will go into effect instantly and will apply to all of NASCAR's series, according to the report.

Stewart hasn't raced since the incident and has backed out of another race this weekend. He is reportedly surrounded by friends and family at an undisclosed location.

This decision was Tony's," SHR executive vice president Brett Frood said. "It's been an emotional week for him. He's grieving. He made the decision he's not ready to get in the race car, and we'll take it week by week. It's up to Tony when he's ready to get back in the car."

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