TNR Desk
Aiming to address the alarming rates of road accidents caused by driver negligence, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has unveiled a groundbreaking driver alertness management system. The innovative device, designed to mitigate the risks associated with driver fatigue and distraction, promises to revolutionise road safety across the country.
Unlike conventional warning systems, the new device is equipped with advanced features tailored to effectively combat driver drowsiness and distraction. The device employs cutting-edge technology to detect signs of driver fatigue and alertness, thus pre-empting potential accidents.
A key feature of the system is its ability to monitor driver behaviour in real-time and issue alerts when signs of drowsiness or distraction are detected. Utilising a combination of AI software and sophisticated sensors, the device can accurately identify changes in driver behaviour and intervene proactively to ensure road safety.
During the trial phase conducted in collaboration with the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU), the system demonstrated its efficacy in alerting drivers to potential hazards, even in the face of distractions such as mobile phone usage or conversing with passengers. The successful implementation of the device underscores its potential to significantly reduce the incidence of accidents caused by driver negligence.
The development team behind the driver alertness management system comprises a multidisciplinary group of experts, including Pradyuman Singh, CTU Director; Amit Gupta, CTU General Manager; and a dedicated team of researchers and engineers from IIT-Mandi’s Innovation Hub led by Somjit Amrit, Gaurav Jaswal, Shahil Jaglan and Deepak Kumar.
Notably, the device’s design incorporates a comprehensive AI module capable of recognising diverse driver characteristics and behaviours, ensuring its effectiveness across a wide range of driving conditions and environments. By leveraging data collected from hundreds of drivers nationwide, the system has been trained to identify nuances in behaviour and issue timely alerts tailored to individual driving patterns.
Weighing a mere 300 grams, the driver alertness management system offers a lightweight and unobtrusive solution for installation in passenger vehicles. However, widespread implementation of the device hinges on the formulation of supportive government policies and regulations.
With statistics revealing that 40 per cent of road accidents in India stem from driver negligence, the urgent need for proactive measures to enhance road safety cannot be overstated. In Himachal Pradesh alone, 11 per cent of accidents contribute to a staggering toll of approximately 1,200 fatalities annually.
