KARACHI: With accidents involving trailers, oil tankers and other heavy vehicles claiming precious lives on roads and highways across Pakistan, students of the Electrical Department of Aligarh Institute of Technology (AIT), Karachi, have developed a low-cost system aimed at reducing accidents caused by driver drowsiness.
The “Anti-Sleep Car Alarm System”, developed by students Khizar Sheikh and Kamran Ali under the supervision of adviser Imran Akhtar, uses an infrared sensor to monitor the driver's eyes.
The sensor detects whether the driver's eyes remain closed for a specified period. If prolonged eye closure is detected, the system activates a buzzer to alert the driver and draw their attention back to the road.
The project is particularly aimed at addressing the risks faced by drivers of trailers, oil tankers and other heavy vehicles who often undertake long journeys and may drive for several hours without adequate rest. Fatigue and drowsiness can impair concentration and reaction time, increasing the possibility of accidents.
According to the project team, the system has also been designed with an automatic vehicle-stopping feature that can be activated when severe drowsiness is detected. The feature is intended to reduce the risk of a vehicle continuing to move when the driver's ability to remain attentive is compromised.
The system uses a microcontroller to continuously process information received from the infrared sensor and monitor the driver's condition in real time. It operates on a 9-volt battery, requires little space and can be installed on a vehicle's dashboard.
Mr Imran Akhtar said the project was aimed at developing an affordable local alternative to expensive driver-safety systems. With further testing and development, the technology could potentially be adapted for use in both ordinary vehicles and heavy transport vehicles.
The project was presented at AIT's Project Exhibition 2026, where students showcased technology-based solutions to everyday problems. The initiative highlights the potential of local student innovation to address road-safety challenges and contribute to the protection of lives on Pakistan's highways and urban roads
