Survey seeks to clarify motorsport, road safety link

The Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety is trying to dispell claims that motorsport does not translate to safer driving behaviour on public roads.

AIMMS is embarking on a series of research projects, one of which has the potential for a significant impact on those involved in the sport.

Garry Connelly, chairman of the motorsport safety group, says a survey that has been distributed to CAMS members is seeking to find if there is a link between those involved in motorsport and driving safely on public roads.

“For years, certain academics have argued that those who have been involved in motor sport (even as spectators) or those who have had professional advanced driver training, are worse drivers than those who have not,” Connelly said.

“This independent online survey seeks to determine if people who participate in motor sport, or have undergone professional advanced driver training, have less (or more) likelihood of being involved in crashes on public roads.”

The survey is partnering with Dr Kristi Heesch from the School of Public Health and Social Work at Queensland University of Technology to gather information that can inform these efforts.

It is essential that as many people as possible complete the survey to achieve the most accurate result.

AIMMS also hopes that motor sport participants will encourage a wide circle of friends and co-workers not involved or exposed to motor sport to spend their time completing the survey.

The survey will be distributed to all CAMS members above 18 years.

Click here to access the survey