You may soon see new driver monitoring systems in your next vehicle — technologies designed to detect when a driver is drowsy, distracted, or impaired by alcohol or cannabis.

The University of Iowa’s Driving Safety Research Institute (DSRI) often tests these innovations to help make our roads safer, and they’re currently seeking local participants for a paid research study.

What’s involved: Participants will get paid up to $820 for their time and travel to help test vehicle sensors meant to detect alcohol impairment. All driving takes place in a controlled simulator environment.

You may qualify if you:

• Are 38–51 or 55–68 years old
• Are in good health
• Are a drinker willing to consume enough alcohol to be above the legal limit
• Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

You’ll need to complete four visits to the University of Iowa Driving Safety Research Institute in Coralville: one 2-hour screening visit, two 8-hour daytime visits, and one 8-hour overnight visit.

Interested participants should fill out the survey at bit.ly/Alcohol-DMS or visit dsri.uiowa.edu and click on participate.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic collisions. That’s about 34 people per day or one person every 42 minutes.