DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- NASCAR has implemented new safety rules following the death of a driver in New York.

The new rule states that drivers must stay in their cars unless they are in immediate danger.

The rule has always been a recommendation but will now be enforced.

"This is one of those times where we look outside our sport and look at other things," said Robin Pemberton of NASCAR Competition and Racing Development.

The decision was made less than a week after driver Tony Stewart hit and killed Kevin Ward Jr on a race track. Ward got out of his car after an accident and was on the track when he was struck.

The rule only applies to NASCAR races but other racing organizations are likely to follow suit.