With Performance Collision Centers’ locations across the United States’ southeastern portion, we have to honor one of the region’s favorite sports: NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Racing). NASCAR starts with their first race of the season on Tuesday, February 9. Did you know that many commonplace safety measures in your vehicle come from racing cars? Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.

High-Security Seat Belts

Seat belts weren’t always a commonplace safety measure in vehicles. After race cars developed the 6-point harness and physicians pushed manufacturers to include after seeing how effective seat belts were in accidents, the average road car adapted a 3-point model to keep drivers and passengers safe.

Traction Control

Race cars need to get around the corners of the track fast. Traction control can be especially effective to do so safely. Now, nearly every car on the road has this same capability.

Advanced Braking System (ABS)

This commonplace item is expected in cars made today. It was created to give race car drivers more control and avoid overturning the vehicle while braking heavily.

Grooved Tires

Your tires should be rough and bumpy with visible grooves to allow better traction. These grooves are more pronounced if you have an off-road vehicle or all-terrain tires. Sports cars have fewer, more shallow grooves to allow maximum contact with the road for better control. This tire manipulation stems from race car production. Race cars need soft rubber tires with fewer grooves to keep the car on the track.

These basic expectations for your vehicle were all derived from race cars. Tune into the first race, Clash At Daytona RC, through FS1 on February 9, at 7 PM EST. Let us know what other innovations you see in their cars!