Valmon J. Pezoldt

Research Scientist

Teens in the Driver Seat Center
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
1100 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78213
ph. (210) 979-9411 Ext. 17107 · fax (210) 979-9694
v-pezoldt@tamu.edu

Short Biography

Val Pezoldt, a Research Scientist in the Human Factors Group of TTI's Center for Transportation Safety, has more than 30 years experience in human factors and engineering psychology. He received a B.A. in psychology in 1969 from Wittenberg University and the M.A. in experimental psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 1972. He joined the research staff of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in 1985.

Mr. Pezoldt has been principal investigator for a broad range of human factors, transportation safety and traffic law enforcement projects. Recent projects have examined Texas crash data to identify distinguishing characteristics of young and old driver crashes, investigated the relationship between aggressive driving and the urban driving environment; evaluated the impact of work-duration related fatigue on the safety of floating plant operations; and augmented the reporting of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.

Other research projects have included determining the impact of increased speed limits on Texas traffic crash experience, evaluating the use of light emitting diodes in rail/highway grade crossing signals, analyses of automotive foot pedals, and evaluations of the visibility of raised pavement markers, and the influence of tire design on heavy truck splash and spray. In addition to his own projects, he has also supported other researchers in projects ranging from observational surveys of restraint use to determination of stopping sight distances.

Mr. Pezoldt also provides technical and administrative assistance to the Texas Department of Transportation in the development and implementation of the annual Highway Safety Program Performance Plan, the Texas Highway Safety Plan and the Annual Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the Texas Traffic Safety Program.

Before joining TTI, Mr. Pezoldt spent 12 years in federal government service. From 1973-1981 he was an Engineering Research Psychologist with the National Bureau of Standards where he provided human factors research and consultation for a variety of federal agencies. From 1981-1985, he held a position as Engineering Psychologist at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. His responsibilities there included development and application of human factors guidelines for the review of nuclear power plant control rooms and emergency response facilities with an emphasis on operator displays and controls.

Mr. Pezoldt is the author or co-author of more than 60 scientific and technical reports in the areas of human factors, safety, and consumer products. He is a member of the national Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (and several of its Technical Groups, including Surface Transportation, Safety, and Aging) and served for six years on the Committee on Vehicle User Characteristics of the National Academy of Science's Transportation Research Board. He also served on the Texas A&M University System Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects in Research from 1995 - 2000.

Education

  • M.A., Experimental Psychology, University of Cincinnati, 1972.
  • B.A., Psychology, Wittenberg University, 1969.

Experience

  • Research Scientist, Teens in the Driver Seat Center, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, October 2011 - Present.
  • Research Scientist, Planning & Evaluation Group, Texas Transportation Institute, September 1995 - June 2011.
  • Associate Research Specialist, Texas Transportation Institute, September 1989 - August 1995.
  • Assistant Research Specialist, Texas Transportation Institute, April 1985 - August 1989.
  • Engineering Psychologist, U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, District of Columbia, 1981 - January 1985.
  • Engineering Research Psychologist, National Bureau of Standards, District of Columbia, 1973 - January 1981.
  • Research Psychologist/Consultant, Serendipity-Eastern Inc., Arlington, Virginia, 1972 - January 1973.
  • Research and Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, 1969 - January 1972.

Affiliations

  • Chair, Texas Transportation Institute, Human Subjects Committee.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Safety Technical Group.
  • Member, Transportation Research Board (TRB), A3B02, Committee on Vehicle User Characteristics.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Consumer Product Technical Group.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Aging Technical Groups.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Surface Transportation Technical Group.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Visual Performance Technical Group.
  • Member, Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), Texas Chapter, 1995 - Present.
  • Member, Texas A&M University, Institutional Review Board - Human Subjects in Research, 1995 - Present.
  • Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1978 - Present.

Selected Publications

J.L. Carson, V.J. Pezoldt, N.A. Koncz, K.O. Obeng-Boampong. Benefits of Public Roadside Safety Rest Areas in Texas. 0-6267-S. Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX. 2011.

J.L. Carson, V.J. Pezoldt, N.A. Koncz, K.O. Obeng-Boampong. Benefits of Public Roadside Safety Rest Areas in Texas: Technical Report. 0-6267-2. Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX. May 2011.