Exploring the Impacts of the Winter Weather on Driving Behavior and Driver State: Driving Simulator Study

Experiment process with bicyclist and pedestrian.

Participate in preparation and conducting experiments at the TRAVL/MSL lab (Driving Simulator and VR experiments). 

Project description

Winter hazards often lead to traffic safety issues, primarily stemming from ill-informed travel decisions and driver nervousness due to high cognitive load. To address these risks, a driving simulator human subject study has been devised. In this project, students will assist in conducting experiments at the TRAVL/MSL lab under the supervision of senior project personnel. Each student will be paired with a graduate student involved in the project and will participate in all stages of the experiment, including: scheduling subject visits (utilizing online forms), conducting pre-visit screenings (administering online surveys with subsequent scenario assignments), welcoming subjects to the lab, outfitting subjects with sensors, providing procedural briefings, overseeing the experiment, removing sensors, conducting subject debriefings, and managing post-experiment lab procedures. Each experiment will last 90-100 minutes, with up to three experiments scheduled per day, allowing students flexibility in selecting their preferred schedule. 

Project outcome

  • Obtain Research Skills: Students will develop practical research skills by actively participating in all stages of the driving simulator study data collection. This experience will help them to learn how to design and conduct human subject experiments. 
  •  Improved Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: Students will sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they navigate challenges encountered during the driving simulator experiments. 
  • Enhanced Interpersonal, and Communication: Students will practice their interpersonal and communication skills through interactions with study participants. By welcoming subjects to the lab, explaining experimental procedures, and conducting post-experiment debriefings, students will practice clear and concise communication. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment About a semester; 3-5 months
Start time Summer (May/June) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement) 
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits Stipend 
Who is eligible All undergraduate students with the ability to communicate with participants, interest in learning and working with Unity environment.

Core partners

  • TRAVL/MSL lab faculty and graduate students 

Project mentor

Irina Benedyk

Assistant Professor

Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering

Phone: (716) 645-4346

Email: birina@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

1. All participating undergraduate students are expected to start an ELN Digital Badge as they begin their projects and complete the badge at the project’s conclusion. Additional details about the ELN Digital Badge process and benefits for students will be shared in the scheduled zoom orientation.

2. Program Orientation - Thursday, May 9, 2024 @ 10:00am (https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/96963765991). Selected students are expected to attend. 

Keywords

Unity, virtual environment, simulation, human subject experiments