The University of Iowa Driving Safety Research Institute (home of the National Advanced Driving Simulator) is seeking adults to participate in a study that requires consuming alcohol. This study is designed to explore whether one or more alternative roadside tests administered with current standard field sobriety tests (SFSTs) can identify differences in sober and alcohol-impaired individuals. Trained law enforcement officers will administer the current SFSTs and the alternative(s). This study does not involve driving.

Study Visit Overview

Screening: Includes physical and psychological exams, vitals measurements (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, temperature), BrAC, questionnaires, and a urine test for pregnancy and drug screening.

Alcohol Administration (if eligible): Consume 100 proof vodka mixed with juice over 30 minutes (three drinks) to reach a peak BrAC of up to 0.095.
• Rest post-drinking with regular BrAC measurements
• Complete sleepiness and alcohol effect ratings
• Perform a test at four BrAC levels (twice per level with different researchers); about half will also do this test before drinking

Compensation varies on length of visit
• $30/hour + $70 for transportation

We greatly appreciate your help! If you have questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to email us at dsri-recruit@uiowa.edu. Please reference “DSFST” when emailing.

Who:
• Adults aged 21 or older and hold a valid driver's license
• Have consumed alcohol within the past 90 days
• Have not participated in any other studies evaluating alternative roadside tests at the University of Iowa Driving Safety Research Institute
• Are able to attend one alcohol dosing visit lasting approximately 8 hours
• Are comfortable consuming vodka mixed with juice to reach a breath alcohol level above the legal driving limit
• Do not have allergies or sensitivities to vodka
• Do not have mental or physical conditions that make alcohol consumption unsafe (e.g., pregnancy, cancer, liver problems, pancreatic or kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, severe depression)
• Do not have physical conditions that impair upper body or lower body coordination or movement, including walking (e.g., use of mobilizing or stabilizing devices for the back, upper limbs, or lower limbs)
• Do not take medications or supplements that carry alcohol-related warnings or affect blood sugar (e.g., opioids, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, weight-loss medications)
• Have not started or stopped any medications within the past 8 weeks
• Are able to arrange transportation to and from the study visit (driving, biking, or walking yourself is not permitted)
• Are willing to provide a urine sample for drug and pregnancy screening
• Are willing to provide breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) measurements multiple times throughout the visit
• Are able to refrain from alcohol, illicit or recreational drugs (e.g., cannabis), and non-prescription medications or supplements (including over-the-counter medications like Tylenol) for 24 hours before the visit
• Are able to refrain from nicotine or tobacco products during the visit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Must meet other eligibility qualifications at the visit

For more information: