Real-Time Driver Drowsiness Detection System Using Facial Landmarks
Abstract
Every year, countless road accidents occur—not due to faulty vehicles or bad roads, but because drivers feel sleepy and lose focus behind the wheel. Especially for those who drive long distances, work night shifts, or travel without proper rest, drowsiness becomes a silent danger that can lead to tragic outcomes. Studies show that driver fatigue is one of the major causes of road accidents globally. To tackle this issue, our project introduces a Real-Time Driver Drowsiness Detection System that helps keep drivers awake and alert. The idea is simple but powerful: by using a regular webcam (even the one built into your laptop), the system continuously watches the driver's face and eyes to check if they are showing signs of sleepiness. The system does this by calculating what's called the Eye Aspect Ratio (EAR)—a smart way to measure how open or closed the eyes are. If it notices that the driver’s eyes are closed for too long, it immediately sounds an alarm to wake them up. What makes our system different is that it doesn’t need expensive equipment. There are no special sensors or high-end cameras—just basic hardware, a webcam, and a normal computer. It’s designed to be lightweight, affordable, and easy for anyone to use. The software runs in real time, works automatically in the background, and doesn’t require the driver to press buttons or control anything manually. We’ve built this using Python programming, with popular tools like OpenCV, dlib, and pygame, ensuring that the system runs smoothly even on regular laptops. The goal is to make roads safer by giving drivers a second set of “digital eyes” watching over them—alerting them before a dangerous situation arises.
This project combines technology and real-life safety, offering a practical solution that could potentially save lives by preventing accidents caused by drowsiness. It’s especially helpful for long-haul truck drivers, late-night commuters, and anyone who spends extended hours on the road.
