UPSRTC to install 'Anti-Sleep Devices' to alert drowsy bus drivers

AGRA: In a bid to reduce road accidents, especially at night, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is contemplating the introduction of a “drowsiness detection system” to check its drivers from dozing off at the wheels. Based on an Israeli technology, the ‘Anti Sleep Devices’ will be installed in the premium segment buses, including Volvo, Scania and air-conditioned Janrath, in the first phase.
The sensor-equipped device will monitor the driver’s eye movements and sound a loud warning alarm in case the driver appears to be sleepy. In case, the driver does not respond to the alarm, the device will automatically send an SMS to the officials.
UPSRTC service manager SP Singh said, “The technology has been thoroughly checked in Lucknow. The performance of the device is found satisfactory on various parameters. Following the state government orders, installation of the ‘Anti Sleep Devices’ has been initiated. It will prove to be a significant step in ensuring the safety of the passengers.”
There have been several instances of drivers tending to ignore drowsiness and causing accidents, especially on long-distance journeys at night. “A warning will be issued if the driver is no longer in a condition to drive. This will ensure passengers’ safety as well,” said the service manager.
The camera of the device will capture facial expressions and process the signals using artificial intelligence. The system will also help UPSRTC analyze its drivers’ skills.
On Sunday, Jeetu Shukla, managing director of Secure Techno Hub, the company tasked to install the devices in the buses, said, “So far, the ‘Anti Sleep Devices’ has been installed in 25 buses, a majority of them operating on long distances. The devices have alerted the authorities about the drowsiness of the drivers on over a dozen occasions. Majority of these instances took place between 2 am and 5 am. With the device installed in the bus, there is no scope for accident due to driver falling asleep.”
Explaining the working of the device, Shukla said, “When a driver starts a bus, there will be a beep sound to ensure that the device is working. The device will record driver’s movement for two minutes. Then the driver’s activities will be monitored every second on four parameters. The major parameters include head movement, hands movement, alertness and drowsiness.”
“In case the device senses any alarming situation, it will immediately flash a light on the driver’s face. After five seconds, if the driver does not show any alertness, it would start a continuous beep sound. Even then, if the driver is not active, after five seconds, a hooter will make a loud noise, which will alert all passengers, and after five seconds, it will send a message directly to control room and the concerned officials,” Shukla added.