Abstract
This paper presents a field experiment designed to test and evaluate two functionally different trailer hitches, conventional and newly designed, for driving effectiveness and safety. The evaluation was performed using three different approaches. The first used subjective evaluation obtained through subject questionnaire. The second involved estimating the strength required for the control of steering wheel using electromyogram (EMG). The third involved monitoring the extent of the oscillations of the steering system of the experimental car. The independent variables were the type of hitch, driving pattern and the trailer load. Each of the six subjects participated in 24 driving runs in the experiment. The results showed that the new trailer hitch provides greater driving effectiveness and safety than the conventional trailer hitch.
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