COLLISION AVOIDANCE WARNING SIGNAL SYSTEM

Problem Statement
Road safety is a critical concern, particularly in crowded areas where overtaking heavy vehicles like buses poses significant risks for riders. Traditional methods of determining overtaking feasibility rely on the rider's judgment, often leading to collisions due to blind spots or misjudged distances. The absence of real-time guidance systems for riders further exacerbates this issue, resulting in avoidable accidents, injuries, and traffic congestion.
Address these challenges, there is a need for an innovative Collision Avoidance Warning Signal System equipped with proximity sensors and dual signal lights. This system aims to provide real-time alerts, ensuring riders make informed overtaking decisions. By signalling a green light when the path ahead is clear and a red light when obstacles are detected, the system enhances situational awareness and reduces the likelihood of collisions. The ultimate goal is to improve road safety for all users, particularly in high-traffic environments, by preventing accidents and fostering responsible overtaking practices.
Causes of the Problem:
1. Limited Visibility Around Heavy Vehicles:
Blind spots around buses and trucks make it difficult for riders to assess the road ahead accurately.
2. Human Error in Judgment:
Riders often misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic, leading to unsafe overtaking attempts.
3. Lack of Real-Time Information:
Riders have no system to provide immediate feedback on road conditions or the presence of obstacles while overtaking.
4. Limited Awareness of Blind Spot Hazards:
Many riders lack awareness of how blind spots impact their visibility and safety while overtaking.
Effects of the Problem in India (with Relevant Data)
1. Increased Road Accident Rates:
Overtaking-related accidents are a significant contributor to India's road fatalities. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) 2022 report, nearly 1.55 lakh deaths occurred due to road accidents, with a substantial portion linked to overtaking and visibility issues.
2. Loss of Lives and Injuries:
Poor judgment during overtaking results in severe collisions, particularly involving two-wheelers. In 2021, 56,873 fatalities were reported among two-wheeler riders in India, many due to overtaking mishaps (MoRTH, Road Accidents in India Report 2021)

Stakeholders Facing the Problem
1. Two-Wheeler Riders:
Primary victims of overtaking accidents, especially in crowded urban and semi-urban areas.Vulnerable to injuries or fatalities due to limited protection compared to larger vehicles.
2. Drivers of Heavy Vehicles (Buses, Trucks, etc.):
Unaware of two-wheeler movements in their blind spots, leading to accidents.
Face legal and emotional consequences in the aftermath of collisions.
3. Pedestrians and Other Road Users:
Indirectly impacted by accidents caused during overtaking maneuvers, often becoming collateral victims in multi-vehicle crashes.
The Collision Avoidance Warning Signal System is an innovative safety solution designed to assist riders in making informed overtaking decisions. The system consists of a proximity sensor mounted on the front of heavy vehicles (buses/trucks) and dual signal lights (Red and Green) on either side.
How It Works:
1. Proximity Detection: The sensor continuously scans for obstacles ahead.
2. Signal Light Activation:
• Green Light: Indicates the path is clear for overtaking.
• Red Light: Warns of obstacles or unsafe conditions.
3. Real-Time Alerts: Provides immediate, actionable information to riders, enabling safe overtaking decisions.
Who It Helps:
• Two-Wheeler Riders: Reduces accidents caused by blind spots and misjudged overtaking.
• Heavy Vehicle Drivers: Minimizes stress and legal implications of accidents.
• Pedestrians and Other Road Users: Lowers multi-vehicle crashes.
Impact in India:
India accounts for 11% of global road fatalities, with overtaking being a major cause. Implementing this system can significantly reduce the 56,873 two-wheeler fatalities (2021), aligning with India’s vision to halve road accident deaths by 2030