Smart Alcohol Detector for Road Safety Enabled with IoT

Abstract

Drunk and drive detection is in interest since has potential to save accidents whose main cause is over drinking of alcohol. Much research is currently being undertaken to develop detection technique of alcohol limit which cause unconsciousness and the human will not in able to work, walk and understand things properly. The research is primarily achieved by utilizing the significant of electronics and automobile parts, components and concept. A variety of devices exists including different MQ series sensors, ESPcam, GPS, RTC etc.Among these, the MQ-3 Sensor has shown potential within the field of Electronics, which detect the concentration of alcohol in human beings. Aspects related to the long-term environmental impact of drunk and drive detection technology are taken carefully and are considered carefully.

Introduction

This system is designed to detect alcohol levels in drivers and prevent vehicle operation if intoxication is detected. It integrates several technologies to enhance road safety and reduce drunk driving incidents.

Key Features:

• Alcohol Detection & Action:

  • The system uses an MQ-3 alcohol sensor to detect alcohol in a driver’s breath.

  • If the detected concentration exceeds the legal limit (e.g., 0.03% BAC), the system:

    • Captures a photo of the driver and vehicle using an ESP32-CAM.

    • Records the date, time, and location via a Real-Time Clock (RTC) and GPS module.

    • Uploads all data to the cloud for monitoring or legal review.

    • Activates a buzzer and immobilizes the vehicle through a relay.

    • Displays status on an LCD screen.

Hardware Components Used:

1. ESP32 Microcontroller – for processing and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth communication.

2. MQ-3 Sensor – detects alcohol vapor in the air.

3. ESP32-CAM Module – captures images for identity verification.

4. LCD Display – shows alcohol level and system status.

5. NEO-6M GPS Module – provides location data.

6. RTC (Real-Time Clock) – timestamps the event.

7. Buzzer & Relay – for alerts and vehicle control.

8. Level Shifter – ensures voltage compatibility between components.

System Workflow:

1. Breath Sample Taken: Driver exhales near the sensor.

2. Alcohol Level Checked: If over threshold:

   • Camera captures image.

   • GPS & RTC provide location and timestamp.

   • All data is sent to the cloud.

   • Buzzer sounds and vehicle engine is disabled.

3. Monitoring: Admin is notified via cloud-based alerts.

Code Overview:

• The embedded Arduino code:

  • Initializes modules and sets up pins.

  • Continuously checks alcohol levels.

  • Triggers camera, buzzer, and GPS if alcohol is detected.

  • Displays date and time on the LCD.

  • Sends data for logging and monitoring.

Purpose & Impact:

This project addresses the serious problem of drunk driving, a major cause of traffic fatalities. With integrated sensing, alert, and reporting features, it provides a real-time, automated solution to prevent impaired driving and enhance public safety.

Conclusion

The system proposed has been implemented using a toy car. The test showed that the MQ3 sensor has high sensitivity to alcohol compared to other types mentioned in literature. The microcontroller helps to automate the system thereby reducing overheads that would have been incurred from personnel and maintenance cost. It is recommended that future work should consider tracking the subject driving under influence of alcohol via Global Position System (GPS). Motorcycles andbicycles can also be considered to have this system.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 K. Kaviyarasu, R. Devendhiran, A. Boopathyraja, K. Aridas, Dr. R. Manikandan, Dr. P. Selvakumar. 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.