The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland has agreed to take part in important research recently announced by the Australian Institute of Motor Sport Safety.

AIMSS is undertaking four projects including studying the possible link between advanced driver training and motor sport experience with the likelihood of being involved in a road crash.

The RACQ said it will assist by providing samples of motorists who agree to take part in the survey.

The project will use an online survey to sample drivers of all ages in an effort to identify whether training or recreational activities that involve advanced car control have any impact on the number and severity of road crashes.

“This project can only give us more knowledge when it comes to saving lives and continues RACQ’s commitment to safer drivers in safer cars on safer roads”, RACQ Group chief executive Ian Gillespie said.

At present, anecdotal debate whether advanced driver training and motor sport experiences increase or reduce the risk of a crash on public roads continues without being supported by hard evidence.

AIMSS chairman Garry Connelly says the study can debunk the fact that some governments discourage people from joining car clubs or take part in grassroots motorsport on the basis that it makes them more prone to accidents on public roads.

“AIMSS seeks to provide substantial evidence to support the debate on the merits of advanced driving experience,” Connelly said.

“If we can demonstrate the benefits this experience provides in contributing to safer roads, it will be an enormous benefit to society and a boost for our sport.”

A final report into the findings of the study is expected to be released by mid 2017.