NASCAR announced on Friday that drivers are barred from going near the track or even moving their cars should an accident happen.

In addition, if a car that is involved in an accident can no longer keep going - provided that there's no smoke or fire in the auto's cockpit - the driver should not disengage his or her personal safety equipment unless he's told to do so by safety personnel or track officials. 

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Once he's cleared to leave the car, the driver should immediately head to an emergency vehicle, NASCAR officials said.

The rule, which takes effect immediately, was approved less than a week after Tony Stewart struck and killed fellow driver, Kevin Ward Jr., during a sprint car event in New York.

Stewart clipped Ward's car during the race and sent it spinning. When the car came to a stop, Ward got out of the car during a caution period and walked down the track, where he was hit by Stewart.

Ward was pronounced dead due to blunt force trauma, authorities said. His funeral was held on Thursday.

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president for competition and racing development, said the announcement was merely a formalization of rules that have always been in place.

"It's reminders that take place during drivers' meetings with drivers about on-track accidents," Pemberton said.

Stewart, who could face criminal charges in connection with Ward's death, announced that he is sitting out the Sprint Cup race at the Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. Jeff Burton will drive the No. 14 Chevrolet in Stewart's stead.

The three-time NASCAR champion has yet to make an announcement about his plans for the rest of the season.

TagsNews, Sports, Sports news, nascar, Tony Abbott, Kevin Ward Jr., race