IOT Based Alcohol Detection and Engine Locking System with GPS

Abstract

The Smart Alcohol Detection and Automatic Engine Locking System aims to improve road safety by blocking intoxicated individuals from operating vehicles and reducing reckless driving behaviours. By combining an alcohol sensor that measures breath alcohol concentration with an accelerometer that detects sudden and erratic acceleration the system identifies reckless driving behaviour. The system engages a relay to lock the engine by disabling the vehicle\'s ignition when alcohol levels surpass a set threshold. The system responds to rash driving by reducing speed or shutting down the engine and sends immediate alerts through a GSM module to inform authorities or emergency contacts. The system includes GPS tracking to provide location information when alerts are activated. The LCD display shows real-time updates about the system status directly to the driver. An Arduino Uno microcontroller serves as the project component that manages sensor inputs and executes appropriate output actions with efficiency.

Introduction

To enhance road safety by preventing alcohol-related accidents and ensuring real-time monitoring and emergency response during reckless driving or collisions.

Key Features

• Breathalyzer (MQ-3 Sensor): Detects alcohol in the driver’s breath before the engine starts.

• Engine Locking (Relay): Prevents ignition if alcohol level exceeds the legal limit.

• GPS Module: Tracks vehicle location in real time.

• GSM Module: Sends alerts to emergency contacts or authorities if alcohol is detected or a crash occurs.

• Accelerometer (MEMS Sensor): Monitors driving behavior for rash movements like sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns.

• LCD Display: Shows real-time feedback about alcohol levels, driving behavior, and system status.

Existing System Limitations

• Focus only on alcohol detection and engine locking.

• Lack of integration with rash driving detection or emergency alerting.

• No real-time communication with authorities or emergency services.

Proposed System Advantages

• Fully integrated solution combining:

  • Alcohol detection

  • Engine immobilization

  • Rash driving detection

  • Real-time location tracking and alerts

• Improves response time in emergencies and prevents DUI-related incidents.

How It Works

1. Pre-Ignition Alcohol Test: Breathalyzer scans for alcohol; if above the threshold, the ignition is blocked.

2. Engine Lock via Relay: Prevents vehicle startup in case of alcohol detection.

3. Driving Monitoring: Accelerometer identifies rash driving once the car is running.

4. Emergency Alerts: Upon detection of unsafe conditions, alerts are sent via GSM with GPS location.

5. Driver Feedback: LCD displays system status and warnings in real time.

Components Used

• Arduino Uno: Central controller

• MQ-3 Sensor: Alcohol detection

• MEMS Sensor: Driving behavior analysis

• GPS Module: Real-time location tracking

• GSM Module: Sends alerts

• Relay Module: Engine control

• 16x2 LCD Display: User interface

• Power Supply: 9V battery

Results

• Effectively prevents drunk driving by blocking engine startup.

• Ensures real-time accident detection and alert notifications to emergency contacts.

• Enhances overall road safety by combining DUI prevention, rash driving detection, and location-based emergency response.

Conclusion

The IoT-based Alcohol Detection and Accident Detection System is a major advancement in vehicle safety through the integration of sophisticated technologies like alcohol detection, accident monitoring, real-time GPS tracking, and emergency response. With the integration of sensors like the MQ-3 breathalyzer, MEMS accelerometer, and GPS module with GSM technology, this system provides an all-around solution for minimizing road accidents, avoiding drunk driving, and providing quicker emergency responses.

References

[1] A. Gupta, S. Ojha, V. Kumar, V. Singh, V. Malav, “Alcohol Detection with Vehicle Controlling,” International Journal of Engineering andManagement Research, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 20-23, 2018. [2] K. Nikitha, B.V. Nayana, and M.P. Kusuma, “Automatic Engine Locking System Using Alcohol Sensing,” SJC Institute Of Technology, pp. 1-12, 2021. [3] B. Kommey, E. Tamakloe, H. Nunoo-Mensah, and D. Opoku, “Smart Vehicle Ignition Interlock: A Car Ignition Interlock Device for Alcohol Impaired Driving,” Proceedings on Engineering Sciences, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 51-62, 2021. [4] S. Yuvarani, A. Gayathri, K. J. Velmurugan, V. Meenakshi, S. Sadhana, and C. Srinivasan, “Quality of Service Factor Based Unfailing Route Formation in Wireless Sensor Network,” International Conference on Intelligent and Innovative Technologies in Computing, Electrical and Electronics, pp. 617-622, 2023. [5] M. Bondre, P. Pawar, A. Pardhi, M. Umare, S. Khan, and M. Sawade, “Vehicle Controlling and Engine Locking System with Alcohol Detection Using Arduino,” International Journal, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 1-5, 2021. [6] S.S. Sarmila, iet al., “Alcohol Detection by using IoT and Locking the Car Ignition”, SSRG International Journal of Computer Science and Engineering (ICEHS), Special Issue, May 2017

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ambati Tarun, Govind Sai Alekhya, Peddadi Govardhan, Pappu Anand Raju. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.