- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:49 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Sleep-induced accidents on long-distance routes could soon become a thing of the past, thanks to a team of Sri Aurobindo College (Delhi University) students who have developed an innovative driver alert device. The device is designed to immediately alert a driver the moment they begin to doze off, potentially saving countless lives on Indian roads.
The device uses a camera module to monitor the driver’s face and eyes, triggering a buzzer and LED signal in real-time if the driver’s eyes remain closed for more than four seconds or if they yawn. Additionally, it is equipped with an MQ-7 sensor to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, which also triggers an alert to ensure driver safety. The device is mounted above the dashboard and continuously monitors eye movements and air quality.
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The team, called Arket, secured first place in the initial stage of the Smart India Internal Hackathon, organised at Sri Venkateswara College to promote innovation and technical research among Delhi University students. The device was developed in just 15 days under the guidance of Prof. Shubhra Gupta from the Electronics Department.
Team members include Suhani Chaddha (team leader), Vaishnav VP, Aditya Mishra, Taufiq Ahmed, Anmol Singh, and Rajdeep. Suhani Chaddha emphasised that cab and lorry drivers, who often travel long distances, face serious risks due to fatigue, and this device could significantly improve road safety. The team is now working on upgrades, including live tracking, mobile alerts, and IoT-based data analysis.
Recent accidents caused by driver drowsiness highlight the need for such innovation:
-October 6: A Car returning from Delhi to Bijnor crashed on the Gangnahar bridge, killing two.
-October 5: A Dumper truck driver died in Sarita Vihar, South Delhi.
-October 4: A Car crash in the Sihani area, Ghaziabad, killed three women.
-October 2: A Car collided with a stationary lorry on the Muzaffarnagar highway, killing six.
With this device, authorities hope to make long-distance journeys safer, reduce fatalities due to drowsy driving, and prevent accidents caused by fatigue.