Human Factors Research
Our work enhances safety through understanding the human-vehicle relationship.
Technology: We work to understand and advance vehicle technology and simulation science.
Understanding: We explore methods for improving driver performance and understanding of technology, such as driver training and studying mental models.
Performance: We aim to identify and shift the limits of the human-machine relationship by studying
- Drowsy and distracted driving
- Novice or young drivers
- Older drivers
- User interfaces
Mobility: We work to enhance mobility with the use of connected and automated vehicles through research and outreach.
Contact
John Gaspar
Title/Position
Director of Human Factors Research
News: Human Factors
University of Iowa researchers focus on the transition from self-driving to manual modes in vehicles
Monday, October 26, 2020
NADS pulls in nearly $1.5M to further study transition of control in automated vehicles
Thursday, October 15, 2020
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) recently granted the University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) a $1.45 million award to further study transition of control in automated vehicles in a simulation environment.
Car and Driver Magazine: We Take an $80 Million Driving Simulator for a Spin
Saturday, July 11, 2020
The University of Iowa uses a Toyota Camry and a lot of tech to study how humans interact with the future. We went for a drive.
Touch screens in cars are distracting, so why do we keep putting them there?
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Daniel McGehee is a human factors engineer and director of the National Advanced Driving Simulator at the University of Iowa, where he studies distracted driving and specializes in figuring out how to design vehicle interfaces around human limitations, such as memory and vision.
9 signs you could be a distracted driver
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
This Gazette article asks a big question "Are you a distracted driver?" Learn what distracted driving really means and how you can take the steps to be a more aware and less distracted driver.
Tractor simulator studies farm safety
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Farming is the most dangerous domestic job in the United States, nearly a hundred agricultural workers are injured every day. In particular, operating large, heavy machines can hurt or kill farmers but researchers at the University of Iowa are trying to learn more to save lives.
Steering Iowa toward automated vehicles
Friday, March 1, 2019
This Gazette article explores the future of automated vehicles in rural states like Iowa and gives a brief overview of the new research being done in Iowa by researchers at the Driving Safety Research Institute.
Talking to teens can lead to safer driving
Saturday, February 9, 2019
A study from the University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator finds that the use of video monitoring technology combined with parents talking to their teens about safe driving motivates young drivers to be safer.
Touch Screens Are Distracting Drivers. What Are Carmakers Doing To Help?
Monday, October 9, 2017