The Verizon DW12 IndyCar Chassis has driver safety as a key design feature.

The fourth-generation Verizon IndyCar Series car (IR-12) has been designed to incorporate improved safety standards and accommodate drivers of varying height, while including elements that improve raceability while reducing the costs to the teams.

• The base "Safety Cell" provides enhanced protection against debris intrusion into the cockpit.
• A fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons.
• Energy-absorbent materials were mandated for the driver leg protection.
• Wider cockpits for better driver extraction in the event of an accident.
• Wider underwing, wheel fairings and rear crash structure reduce the risk of cars riding over competitors' wheels, protecting the drivers and allowing safer competition.
• All cars have mandatory energy absorbing seat insets to add more protection beneath and behind the driver.
• Each chassis produced must undergo rigorous impact and load tests to meet or exceed FIA standard.
• Test specifications include an initial impact, second impact and a deceleration impact. The main chassis structure must not be damaged during the chassis impact test.
• Mounting points for the cables that are part of the Suspension and Wheel Energy Management System (SWEMS) were integrated into the car design, and minimum sizes for mountings were established.
• In 2008, the IndyCar Series introduced paddle shifters to all cars. The removal of a gear shift in the cockpit improves driver safety during a crash.
• A research and development program in currently underway to identify the most effective seat design, structure and seatbelt configuration to provide the drivers with the highest levels of protection. Via Delphi's testing facilities and the use of the THOR-dummy, the IndyCar Series continues to test new seat configurations for our cars, including different materials and angles.
• Reworked underbody and top-level bodywork are designed to create more downforce from the
• chassis rather than the wings.
• In 2015, aerokit manufacturers will be allowed to create their own identity, customizing the look of the cars.

 "Up to Speed" is a series of articles looking behind the scenes of various motorsport series at technical, rules and safety issues