Safety and Human Factors Engineering

Led by Myra Blanco , Ph.D., the Safety and Human Factors Engineering Group's mission is to improve transportation safety and efficiency by: 1) advancing the knowledge of driver performance and the inherent risks, and 2) applying expertise of driver capabilities and limitations to the design of in-vehicle displays and driver assistance systems.

SHFE specializes in large-scale, real-world driving studies, product testing and evaluation, user-centered product design and development, and the design and implementation of innovative research tools. Its research generates a practical, in-depth knowledge base that informs government, commercial vehicle operations, equipment manufacturers, academia, and the public.

SHFE's driver-focused commitment to safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation will always be paramount.

Myra Blanco is a research scientist at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) where she develops applied research on human factors issues in transportation, specifically dealing with the human information processing and perception aspects of different types of new technologies. Full bio