Participate in a Study

VTTI is seeking healthy individuals, aged 18 to 34 and 65 or older, with valid U.S. driver's licenses to participate in a research study. The study involves participating in two sessions, scheduled on different nights (after dark), each lasting approximately two hours for a total of four hours.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate how different types of crosswalk lighting in nighttime conditions affect the visibility of people in the crosswalk including pedestrians, cyclists, and those in a wheelchair.

Eligible participants will be asked to drive a research vehicle, on a closed-to-the-public test course at VTTI that mimics an urban environment where people drive at speeds up to 25 mph. Participants will encounter other vehicles operated by trained VTTI staff on or near the road, similar to real-world driving scenarios. Participants will be asked to rate their ability to detect various individuals in the crosswalk under different lighting conditions. At certain points during each session, participants will also be asked to walk on the test course, observe and rate the crosswalk lighting as a pedestrian, and complete questionnaires.

A trained experimenter will be present in the vehicle throughout the entirety of the sessions. The vehicle is equipped with data collection equipment which records video and audio data. All data will be kept strictly confidential.

Prior to the initial drive portion, participants will complete paperwork, and a simple vision and hearing assessment.

This study provides compensation of $100 per completed session, with a MasterCard. Participants completing both experimental sessions in full will receive a total compensation of $200 for the study.

To learn more, contact 540-231-1277 or drivers@vtti.vt.edu and reference the “Night Sight” study in the message. (IRB $24-255)

Do you drive a newer vehicle in the Northern Virginia or Washington D.C. area? Or the Denver, Colorado, or Seattle, Washington, area?

VTTI is looking for drivers of the following vehicles with modern technology, specifically, adaptive cruise control and lane centering, to participate in a research study.

• Ford Mach-E (2021 or newer)
• Honda CR-V (2023 or newer)
• Kia Sportage (2023 or newer)
• Subaru Outback (2023 or newer)
• Tesla Model 3 with FSD (2021 or newer)
• Toyota Corolla Cross (2023 or newer)

For an initial 6-month enrollment period, your total maximum compensation for participating 6 months and completing all study tasks is $1,100. Participation is confidential (IRB 22-908).

Interested? Unsure if your vehicle qualifies?

• Phone: 540-231-1583
• Text: 540-231-2125
• Email: DaisyStudy@vtti.vt.edu

Reference the “VTTI Daisy” study in your message, along with your city, state, and vehicle type. Visit the Daisy study website to learn more.

VTTI is seeking individuals to participate in a research study. Drive one of our research vehicles instead of your own for 4 weeks!

Those eligible must meet the following criteria:

• Live, work, or drive in the New River Valley or Roanoke Valley area
• Are in one of the following age groups:
  • between 18 and 25
  • between 35 and 55
  • 70+
• Do not own/drive a vehicle with automated features
  • no adaptive (advanced) cruise control and lane centering
• Do not use any of the automated features, such as advanced cruise and lane centering if you have them on your vehicle

Total participation time is 4 weeks. Compensation up to $450 for:

• driving a study-provided vehicle
• completing surveys
• taking several planned drives in the study vehicle

Your data will be kept strictly confidential. (VT IRB #20-309)

Please contact us with your name, phone, and email address at either:

• Call/text: 540-231-0295
• Email: horizonstudy@vtti.vt.edu

Reference the "Horizon Study" in your message.

VTTI is seeking individuals, aged 18 to 75, to drive a research vehicle to assess drowsiness detection and prevention strategies on a long drive on public roadways.

Participation consists of one visit for approximately 6 to 7 hours and offers compensation of $300. Inclusiveness is important. Individuals of ethnic diversity, various facial features, stature, etc. are needed.

Contact: 540-231-1583 or drivers@vtti.vt.edu and mention the "Starlight" study. (IRB #22-597)

VTTI is currently seeking individuals who:

• Are ages 18 and above;
• Have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL);
• Drive a commercial motor vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or bus as part of their job;
• Are willing to participate in a study in Blacksburg, Virginia; and
• Are able to read and complete questionnaires.

If you meet the above requirements and are interested in hearing about future research opportunities involving truck drivers, please complete this form. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI.

VTTI is currently seeking individuals who:

• Are ages 21 and above
• Have a valid Class-A or Class-B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A or CDL-B)
• Actively drive a large truck such as a tractor-trailer, straight truck, construction type of truck, etc. as part of their job
• Willing to drive in a simulator located in Blacksburg, Virginia, not on roadways
• Are not prone to motion sickness

Participation includes coming to VTTI for 2 separate sessions, scheduled on different days (4 hours each). Compensation of up to $500 will be provided for full participation.

If you, or someone you know, meet the above requirements, and are interested in hearing more about this study, please call 540-231-1583 or email, CDLdrivers@vtti.vt.edu and mention the "Automated Truck" study.

Any information provided will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI. (IRB #21-827)