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The results of a wind tunnel study and a computer simulation are used to determine the effects of aerodynamics on the lateral-directional stability and crosswind response of passenger car/utility trailer combinations. Single and tandem axle utility trailer configurations, with and without drag reducing add-on aerodynamic fairings, were considered with both sedan and station wagon tow cars. Results showed that including aerodynamic terms in the six degree of freedom model reduces the trailer tow angle stability and damping by a few percent. More importantly, the random crosswind response, expressed in terms of tow car yaw velocity, was amplified about 20 to 30 percent when a drag reducing device was added to the trailer.

For almost twenty years, researchers have attempted to develop an in-vehicle system which would prevent an impaired driver from operating his or her motor vehicle. These systems have ranged from breath testers to psychomotor tests, and have prevented operation of the vehicle by such methods as preventing the vehicle from starting or alerting drivers, and the police through alarm systems. This paper discusses the background leading to an in-vehicle system which was built and tested. We also discuss the system and its components, and present the results of two tests involving convicted drunk drivers. While the primary purpose of this project was to determine the feasibility of this type of system, the results of the two tests show promise for the reduction of impaired driving trips.