The premature death of Dale Earnhardt in an on-track accident accelerated the efforts of National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) to ensure the safety of car racing competitors, although it had already triggered off the process of planning a safety movement. Due to the seriousness of the matter, NASCAR was forced to take a closer look at safety measures through new research and development operations. Several engineers were hired to work full time on developing and improving future safety measures at its research base in Conover.

Safety of the drivers had always been the first priority on the minds of the designers, engineers and mechanics involved in perfecting this 3,400-pound (1,542-kg) machine. Only when they are satisfied in every way, this magnificent machine rolls on the racetrack. The basic structure of a NASCAR racing car consists of a strong metal tube covered with thin, metal sheets. All the cars are fitted with different types of safety devices that have been developed to lessen the impact of accidents and crashes.

Most of NASCAR's cars are equipped with restrictor plates, which slows down the cars. Most of the cars are designed in such a way that it removes energy from the driver's body very slowly, so that the driver can survive a crash. In case of an accident, only the structure of the car crushes to absorb a lot of energy and gives more time to other safety devices, such as seat belts and airbags, to slow down the driver's body. The frame of a NASCAR racing car is divided into three parts: The front and back parts are built from somewhat thinner steel tubing, so that, in the event of an accident, they will crush. The design of the front clip also helps in pushing the engine out of the bottom of the car, instead of pushing it into the driver's compartment, during an accident. The middle section is strong enough to bear the impact of a crash and protect the driver. The seats found in NASCAR racecars are constructed to wrap around the driver's rib cage. During a crash, it spreads the load over the entire rib cage instead of affecting a smaller point. Now, seats have been improved to wrap around the driver's shoulders, they are stronger and more durable in comparison to the rib cage.

NASCAR introduced a safety device, roof flaps, in 1994, so that the cars don't become airborne during the races and tumble over the track. In order to prevent severe head and neck trauma, in October 2001, NASCAR officials instructed all drivers taking part in the Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to use head-and-neck-restraint systems. They have also improved the fuel tanks. Now, the 22-gallon fuel tanks or fuel cells have many built-in safety features to limit the chances of rupturing or exploding. The fuel cells consist of a hard, plastic inner layer covered with an outer layer made of steel. It is placed in the rear of the car with the help of braces that restrict it from flying loose in the event of an accident. It is filled with foam to reduce the leakage of the fuel. It also diminishes the chances of explosion by reducing the amount of air in the cell. If somehow, the cell gets ignited internally, the foam absorbs the impact of the explosion. The car is also equipped with check valves to stop the flow of fuel in case the engine gets separated from the car.

NASCAR has also mandated its pit crews to wear helmets to avoid severe head injuries. It has hired many outside safety experts to improve the design of drivers' seats and seat belts. It has also approved the manufacture of a driver's seat made of carbon fiber. This lightweight material is more rigid than aluminum, so the seats made of it will prove to be superior to the aluminum seats used in NASCAR. NASCAR has also hired a full-time crash investigator to investigate on-track incidents. It has appointed a medical board to advice on the standard of on-track medical facilities. Three medical liaisons have been hired to meet these standards. NASCAR has contracted several local workers, who have knowledge of the local hospital system, to coordinate the medical facilities.

NASCAR is still involved in the process of improving racing cars' safety measures. At present, it is developing design and construction elements for racing cars to make them safer. Energy-absorbing materials for walls are also being developed. It is also assisting Indianapolis Motor Speedway in developing 'soft' walls to cover concrete track walls, so that they can absorb some of the energy. NASCAR drivers are satisfied with the steps taken for their safety by the series in the past years.