Participate in a Study

VTTI is seeking healthy individuals, aged 18 to 34 or 65 or older, with valid U.S. driver's licenses to participate in a research study. The study involves participating in one experimental session after dark, lasting approximately two hours.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate how different types of lighted safety apparel can affect the visibility of workers in work zones at night.

Eligible participants will be asked to drive a research vehicle, on a closed-to-the-public test course at VTTI that mimics a two-lane highway with speeds up to 45 mph. Participants will encounter three simulated work zone scenarios of varying complexity along the course. These scenarios may include other stationary vehicles with flashing lights, one or more simulated workers, and/or traffic cones.

A trained experimenter will be present in the vehicle throughout the entirety of the session. 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 for completing the session, with a MasterCard.

To learn more, contact 540-231-1583 or drivers@vtti.vt.edu and reference the "Lighted Apparel" study in the message. (IRB #25-09)

VTTI is recruiting individuals who are blind, legally blind, or have low-vision, and aged 18-80, to participate in a research study, at the Virginia Smart Roads facility in Blacksburg. The study involves participating, as a pedestrian, in one session lasting approximately two and a half hours during daytime hours.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of external vehicle displays on an autonomous vehicle to pedestrians on the sidewalk. Participants will be asked to safely stand behind a barrier, as if a pedestrian on the sidewalk of a street.

As a research vehicle drives along the roadway at speeds up to 25 mph, participants may be asked to identify when they notice an approaching vehicle, and if and when they would cross the street. No volunteers will be asked to cross any street themselves. A trained experimenter will be present throughout the entire session on the closed-to-the-public test course.

This project provides compensation of $125 for full participation.

Please contact us at 540-231-1277 or VTTIStudy@vtti.vt.edu. Reference "the Groot Study" in your message. All inquiries welcome! (IRB #25-169)

VTTI is seeking healthy individuals aged 21 to 65 with valid U.S. driver's licenses to participate in a research study. The study involves participating in one session, during the daytime, lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate how driving experience impacts general driving performance and the level of effort needed to perform basic driving tasks in an electric vehicle equipped with advanced technology. Eligible participants will be asked to drive an electric research vehicle on a closed-to-the-public test course at VTTI.

Participants will drive on a course that mimics an urban environment at speeds up to 40mph. Participants will encounter one other vehicle operated by trained VTTI staff on or near the road, similar to real-world driving scenarios. Participants will be asked to perform typical driving maneuvers, such as changing lanes, and to provide their impressions and feedback on the maneuvers.

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

Prior to the drive portion, participants will complete paperwork, and a simple vision and hearing assessment. The paperwork is expected to take 20-30 minutes and the driving portion about 2 hours for a total participation of 2.5 hours.

This study provides compensation of $125 for full participation, with a MasterCard.

To learn more, contact 540-231-2308 or drivers@vtti.vt.edu and reference the "Stingray" study in the message. (IRB #22-300)

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 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)