IoT-Enabled Smart Helmet: Enhancing Safety for Motorcycle Riders Through Alcohol, Drowsiness, and Helmet Detection

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drowsiness are significant contributors to motorcycle accidents. Consider a case, a man rides his bike despite consuming alcohol, which can lead to two possible outcomes. One possibility is that, by luck, he reaches his destination safely. The other, unfortunately, involves the high consumption of alcohol impairing his abilities, causing drowsiness and slowed reactions. As a result, he loses control of the motorbike and collides with a pedestrian. Sustaining a severe head injury, he is hospitalized, and due to a damaged phone, his family remains unaware of the accident. Concerned about his drinking habits, the family members worry for his well-being. However, due to the severity of the head injury, he passes away, and the family is informed after 24 h. From above it can be understood that drinking and driving can harm individuals, pedestrians, other drivers, and families. If the person had been wearing a helmet, he could have avoided the injury and loss of life. However, if the individual had been using a smart helmet equipped with an alcohol detector and drowsiness detector, the outcome may have been different. Additionally, if the helmet had GPS functionality, the family could have received an alert message with the location. So here comes the idea for a smart helmet—an alcohol and drowsiness detector. The smart helmet alcohol detector is a device that can be worn by motorcycle riders. If the riders would wear the helmet, then the vehicle would start, or else it would not. Two infrared sensors and an alcohol sensor will be built into the helmet. One infrared sensor will detect the rider’s face, and if he wears the helmet, the bike will start. A second infrared sensor will detect drowsiness, and if the rider is sleepy, the alarm will beep. If someone is wearing a helmet, the alcohol sensor will determine whether they are under the influence of alcohol or not. If he drinks alcohol beyond the threshold then the helmet will alert the rider with a voice alarm and turn off the vehicle’s ignition system. Also, notify the rider’s location to his family member by sending a message and a call, letting them know he is drunk.