Enhancing Road Safety for School Children Through Smart School Buses

Enhancing Road Safety for School Children Through Smart School Buses

Abstract

Now a days safer transportation of school children has been a critical issue as it is often observed their kids find themselves locked in the school bus at the bus stop after going to school. Parents feel much worried about the safety of their children. The SMS based solution to help the parents to know their children arrival and time of departure during their school days. This system will control the entry and exit of students to and from the bus using RFID and GSM technologies. If the bus journey is successful from source to destination, it will send an SMS to the management or parents to inform its departure and arrival. Accident detection sensors are implanted on the front surface of school bus to detect collision with another vehicle on the road. In this system provides the drunk and drive prevention and the speed control system is used to help the children commute safely. School buses with Continuous monitoring allows for real-time tracking of the bus's location, ensuring the safety of the students and enabling quick response in case of emergencies. Implementing smart school buses integrates advanced technologies like GPS tracking and communication tools to enhance road safety for school children. These innovations ensure efficient route planning, timely updates for parents, and immediate response to emergencies, contributing to a safer transportation environment for students.

Keywordscomponent; School bus safety, Hardward -based monitoring, Real time monitoring, Sensors, Emergency alerts, Parent notifications

1. INTRODUCTION

   In today's fast-paced world, ensuring the safety of school children during their commute is of paramount importance. Every day, thousands of students rely on school buses to transport them to and from educational institutions. However, the inherent risks associated with road travel necessitate innovative solutions to safeguard young passengers and provide peace of mind to parents and educators alike.

   Smart school buses represent a pioneering approach to address these safety challenges by integrating cutting-edge technologies into traditional transportation frameworks. This multifaceted approach encompasses the deployment of smart technologies to not only mitigate risks but also enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of school bus operations.

   By leveraging the power of smart technologies, school transportation systems can proactively reduce the incidence of accidents, streamline operational workflows, and elevate safety standards for school children. The integration of real- time monitoring capabilities enables continuous tracking of school buses' locations, facilitating rapid response to emergencies and ensuring the well-being of students throughout their journey.

   At the heart of this initiative lies the Internet of Things (IoT), a transformative paradigm that underpins the interconnectedness of physical objects through embedded electronics, sensors, software, and network connectivity. By harnessing IoT principles, school buses become nodes within a dynamic network, facilitating seamless communication and data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and centralized monitoring systems.

   1

   we focus on the development and implementation of a comprehensive IoT and embedded platform for continuous and real-time monitoring of school buses. Data is seamlessly transmitted to the cloud in real-time, enabling stakeholders to monitor bus operations and respond swiftly to emerging situations.

   Utilizing a diverse array of sensors and controllers, including the Arduino Mega, enables the comprehensive monitoring of vital metrics and facilitates remote control functionalities through efficient client-server communication protocols. By amalgamating sensor data with cloud-based analytics, actionable insights can be gleaned to optimize operational efficiency and enhance safety protocols.

   In essence, the integration of smart technologies into school buses heralds a new era of transportation safety, where proactive monitoring, real-time data analysis, and responsive intervention mechanisms converge to create a safer environment for school children. Through collaborative efforts and technological innovation, we endeavor to redefine the standards of road safety and ensure the well-being of our most precious passengers: the students of tomorrow.

2. LITERATURE SURVEY

A SMART SCHOOL BUS TRACKING SYSTEM

Ilker Korkmaz Alp Camci Cihangir Cengiz (2019) has exhibited the technique to implement the proposed smart school bus tracking system offers an easy-to-use software solution with web and mobile applications. It enables accurate tracking of school service vehicles, benefiting parents, students, and service firms. This system enhances safety and convenience, aligning with the smart city framework. With encrypted data storage and dynamic route determination, it ensures scalability, flexibility, and security. Overall, it optimizes school transportation management for all stakeholders involved.

ROUTE MAPPING AND BIOMETRIC ATTENDANCE SYSTEM IN SCHOOL BUSES

Khaled Mahfouz S Mohammad Rameshi (2020) has exhibited the technique to implement the proposes a biometric attendance approach to address the issue of students being left behind in school buses. It introduces a system with a smart tablet, microcontroller-based fingerprint sensor, automated gate, and an Android application. By integrating this system into school buses, students can only board or exit when their fingerprint is recognized, thus enhancing safety. Additionally, the system generates routes based on attended students and alerts the bus driver if a student has not boarded or exited the bus, effectively mitigating the risk of students being inadvertently left behind.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT DETECTION, PREVENTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM

By employing machine learning algorithms in real-time eye blink detection using Python with TensorFlow and OpenCV libraries, the project effectively mitigates drowsy driving risks. Continuous monitoring of eye blinks enables prompt detection of drowsy conditions, triggering alarms to alert drivers, thus

significantly reducing the occurrence of accidents associated with drowsiness.

III OVERVIEW OF THE SYSTEM MODULES

The system proposed in this paper comprises the following hardware-based and application-based modules and sub- modules.

1. Hardware-based Modules

   1. Arduino mega 2560: Arduino Mega 2560 controls and processes multiple sensors and communications interfaces for efficient management in a smart school bus system.

   2. RFID Tag: RFID in smart school buses enhances safety by tracking student boarding and disembarkation, ensuring all students are accounted for and providing real-time location updates to parents and schools.

   3. GPS and GSM: GPS and GSM in smart school buses enhance safety and efficiency by providing real-time location tracking and communication capabilities. They enable parents and schools to monitor bus routes, ensure timely arrivals, and facilitate quick responses in emergencies.

   4. Alcohol sensor: The alcohol sensor in a smart school bus detects alcohol vapors, ensuring the driver is sober. It enhances safety by preventing impaired driving, thereby protecting students. The system can immobilize the bus if alcohol is detected, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

   5. Fire sensor: The purpose of a fire sensor in a smart school bus is to detect early signs of fire, ensuring rapid response to protect the safety of students and staff, minimizing risk and damage, and facilitating quick emergency services notification.

   6. Vibrating sensor: The vibrating sensor in a smart school bus primarily serves to enhance safety by detecting anomalies in vehicle performance or road conditions, alerting the driver through vibrations to prevent accidents and ensure a secure ride for students.

2. Application-based Module

   1. Central data processing and storage: Central data processing and storage in smart school buses facilitate real- time monitoring of routes, student attendance, and vehicle conditions, ensuring safety, efficiency, and timely communication between parents, schools, and transportation authorities for seamless operations and enhanced security.

   2. Parental and Management alert: Parental and management alerts in smart school buses serve to enhance safety and communication. Parents receive real-time updates about their child's whereabouts, ensuring peace of mind. Management alerts provide administrators with insights into bus operations, enabling efficient fleet management and proactive decision-making to optimize routes, schedules, and maintenance, ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

2

1. EXISTING SYSTEM

   The smart school bus system comprises GPS trackers, RFID tags, cameras, and microcontrollers. GPS trackers provide real-time location updates of the bus, enhancing route efficiency and enabling parents to track their child's whereabouts. RFID tags are assigned to each student, facilitating automatic attendance recording as they board and disembark the bus.

   The system sends alerts to parents and school authorities upon unexpected deviations from the designated route or delays.

   Fig1 Block diagram of existing system

2. PROPOSEDSYSTEM

   Fig2 Block diagram of proposed system

   Smart school buses integrate various technologies like IoT and embedded systems to ensure the safety of school children during transit. Continuous monitoring enables real-time tracking of bus locations, facilitating quick responses to emergencies. IoT, a network of physical objects with embedded electronics, sensors, and connectivity, plays a crucial role in this system. Utilizing platforms like Adafruit as a free server, data is continuously pushed to the cloud, enabling real-time monitoring.

   By incorporating different sensors like speed, alcohol, fire sensors and controllers like Arduino Mega, various data can be monitored and controlled efficiently from the cloud. This setup enhances operational efficiency and allows for seamless communication between the bus and the cloud server. Real- time data transmission ensures that parents, school authorities, and transportation officials are constantly updated about the bus's status, enhancing transparency and accountability.

   Continuous monitoring and real-time tracking significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of young passengers. In case of deviations from the designated route or unexpected delays, alerts are generated to notify relevant stakeholders, enabling timely interventions. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies improves operational efficiency by optimizing routes and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

   By focusing on continuous monitoring and real-time data transmission, this project enhances road safety for school children. It offers a comprehensive solution that not only addresses safety concerns but also improves overall transportation standards. The use of IoT and embedded systems demonstrates a commitment to innovation in ensuring the well-being of students during their daily commute.

3. DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING SYSTEM MODULES

   For the design and implementation of various modules and sub-modules of the system described in the previous section, custom-made components were utilized along with different off-the-shelf hardware and software components. The following subsections provide a brief description of the designing and implementation process for each of those modules and sub-modules.

   1. Arduino mega 2560:

      The Arduino Mega 2560 serves as the central nervous system of the smart school bus, facilitating various crucial functions. Its purpose lies in enabling real-time monitoring of vital parameters such as engine performance, GPS tracking for route optimization and student safety, integration with sensors for detecting environmental conditions like temperature and air quality, and controlling onboard systems such as lighting and security features. Additionally, it acts as a data hub, collecting and processing information to enhance operational efficiency, ensure timely maintenance, and provide insights for optimizing transportation logistics, thereby fostering a safer and smarter environment for students and staff alike.

      3

      Fig3.Arduino mega 2560

   2. RFID Tag:

      RFID tags in smart school buses serve several purposes. Firstly, they enhance safety by providing real-time tracking of students' whereabouts, ensuring they board and disembark at the correct locations. Secondly, they facilitate efficient attendance management, automating the process and minimizing errors. Additionally, RFID technology enables parents to receive notifications when their child boards or exits the bus, offering peace of mind. Moreover, it aids in optimizing bus routes and schedules, leading to cost savings and reduced fuel consumption. Overall, RFID tags in smart school buses streamline operations, improve safety, and enhance communication between schools, parents, and transportation providers.

      Fig4. RFID Tag

   3. GPS and GSM:

      GPS (Global Positioning System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) are crucial components of smart school bus systems. GPS enables real-time tracking of the bus's location, ensuring the safety and security of students by providing accurate information to parents and school authorities. It allows for efficient route planning and monitoring, reducing delays and improving overall transportation management. GSM facilitates communication between the bus and the central monitoring system, enabling instant alerts in case of emergencies, such as accidents or deviations from planned routes. Together, GPS and GSM enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of school bus operations, ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders.

      Fig5. GPS and GSM

   4. Alcohol sensor:

      The purpose of an alcohol sensor in a smart school bus is to ensure the safety of students by detecting any presence of alcohol in the vicinity of the driver. It acts as a preventive measure against drunk driving incidents, which could jeopardize the lives of passengers. By integrating this sensor into the bus's system, it can automatically alert authorities or administrators if alcohol is detected, prompting immediate action to protect the children on board. Ultimately, it helps to maintain a secure environment within the school bus, fostering trust and peace of mind for parents and school communities alike.

   5. Vibrating sensor:

      The vibrating sensor in a smart school bus serves the critical purpose of ensuring the safety and security of students during transportation. By detecting vibrations, it can alert the driver and monitoring system to potential hazards such as accidents, unauthorized entry, or rough driving conditions. This proactive technology helps prevent accidents, enhances driver awareness, and facilitates rapid response in emergencies, ultimately creating a safer environment for students and instilling confidence in parents and school authorities.

   6. Fire sensor

      The purpose of a fire sensor in a smart school bus is to ensure the safety of students and staff by detecting any potential fire hazards or incidents onboard. It continuously monitors the environment for signs of smoke or heat, triggering alarms and alerting the driver and authorities promptly in case of emergency. By swiftly identifying fire risks, it enables rapid response measures, such as evacuation procedures or fire suppression systems activation, mitigating the potential for injuries or property damage. Ultimately, the fire sensor enhances overall safety protocols, instilling confidence in parents, educators, and passengers regarding the security of school bus transportation.

      4

   7. Parental and Management alerts:

Parental and management alerts in smart school buses serve the purpose of ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation for students. They provide real-time notifications to parents and school administrators about crucial events like bus delays, breakdowns, or deviations from the planned route. These alerts empower parents to track their child's journey, offering peace of mind, while enabling school management to promptly address any issues that may arise during transit. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance communication, mitigate risks, and optimize the overall experience of school transportation, prioritizing the well-being of students.

Fig6.Notification send to parent and management

1. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The SMS-based

   solution utilizing RFID and GSM technologies, along with accident detection sensors and speed control systems, addresses the pressing issue of school children's safety during transportation. By providing real-time updates to parents about their children's arrival and departure times, this system offers peace of mind and ensures accountability.Moreover, the integration of accident detection sensors and drunk driving prevention mechanisms enhances road safety, mitigating risks for students. Continuous monitoring through GPS tracking enables swift response to emergencies, facilitating timely intervention when necessary. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as GPS tracking and communication tools, smart school buses optimize route planning and enhance overall transportation efficiency. This holistic approach not only safeguards students during their commute but also fosters a collaborative effort between parents, school management, and transportation authorities to prioritize child safety. Overall, the implementation of smart school buses represents a

   significant step forward in creating a safer transportation environment for school children.

   Fig7. Final hardware output

2. FUTURE WORKS: Future works in smart school bus transportation could focus on enhancing the integration of AI- powered systems for predictive maintenance, optimizing route efficiency, and implementing biometric identification for enhanced security. Additionally, the development of autonomous or semi-autonomous school buses could revolutionize transportation safety by reducing the risk of human error. Incorporating advanced sensors and communication technologies could further improve real-time monitoring capabilities, while fostering collaboration with local authorities for seamless emergency response protocols. Continuous research into emerging technologies will drive ongoing improvements in safety and efficiency for school transportation systems.

3. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the integration of SMS- based solutions, RFID/GSM technologies, accident detection sensors, and continuous monitoring in smart school buses marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety of school children during their daily commute. By providing real-time updates to parents and school management regarding bus movements, implementing preventive measures against drunk driving, and incorporating speed control systems, these innovations mitigate risks and address concerns over children's safety. Moreover, the use of advanced technologies like GPS tracking enables efficient route planning and immediate response to emergencies, further enhancing the overall safety and security of students. As a result, the implementation of smart school buses not only fosters peace of mind among parents but also underscores a commitment to

5

prioritizing the well-being of children, ultimately creating a safer transportation environment for students to thrive in.

REFERENCES

1. http://www.worldometers.info/worldpopulation/bangladeshpopulation/

2. https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/society/traffic-jam-the-uglyside- dhakas-development-1575355

3. Katsuyuki Tanaka, Katsuhiro Naito Faculty of Information Science, Aichi Institute of Technology 1247 Yachigusa, Yakusa, Toyota, Aichi,Japan, Demo: Implementation of cooperative bus location system with BLE devices and smartphones, 2017 14th IEEE Annual ConsumerCommunications & Networking Conference (CCNC).

4. Vinoth Rengaraj, Prof. Kamal Bijlani, Amrita E-learning Research

   Lab (AERL) Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri AmritaVishwa Vidyapeetham Amrita University, India A study and implementation of Smart ID card with M-Learning and Child Security 2nd International Conference on Applied and Theoretical Computing and Communication Technology (iCATccT) IEEE 2016.

5. Ms. DHIVYA.M M.E-Applied Electronics, Dr. KATHIRAVAN.S Associate professor, Department of ECE Kalaignar Karunanidhi Institute of Technology Coimbatore, India HYBRID DRIVER SAFETY, VIGILANCE AND SECURITY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE,

   IEEE Sponsored 2nd International Conference on Innovations in Information Embedded and Communication Systems. ICIIECS15.

6. Thiyagarajan Manihatty Bojan, Umamaheswaran, Raman Kumar and Viswanathan Manihatty Bojan, An Internet of Things basedIntelligent Transportation System, 2014 IEEE International Conference on Vehicular Electronics and Safety (ICVES), December 16-17, 2014. Hyderabad, India.

7. Maryam Said Al-Ismaili, Ali Al- Mahruqi, Dr. Jayavrinda

   Vrindavanam, Department of Computer and Electronic Engineering Caledonian College of Engineering, Muscat, Oman, Bus Safety System for School Children Using RFID and SIM900 GSM MODEM, International Journal of Latest Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJLTET), Vol. 5 Issue 1 January 2015.

8. Shraddha Shah, Bharti Singh RFID Based School Bus Tracking and Security System International Conference on Communication and Signal Processing, April 6-8, 2016, India 2016 IEEE.

9. Anwaar Al-Lawati, Shaikha Al-Jahdhami, Asma Al-Belushi, Dalal Al- Adawi, Medhat Awadalla, and Dawood Al-Abr, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University RFID- based System for School Children Transportation Safety Enhancement, Proceedings of the 8th IEEE GCC Conference and Exhibition, Muscat, Oman,1-4February,2015.

10. Khaled Shaaban, Abdelmoula Bekkali, Elyes Ben Hamida, and Abdullah Kadri, Qatar University/Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, and Qatar Mobility Innovations Center, Doha, Qatar Smart Tracking System for School Buses Using Passive RFID Technology to Enhance Child Safety, Journal of Traffic and Logistics Engineering, Vol, 1, No. 2 December 2013.

11. Abid Khan, Sr. Assistant Professor Ravi Mishra, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Department SSCET, CSVTU, Bhilai, India GPS GSM Based Tracking

    System,International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology- (ISSN) Volume3 Issue2- 2012.

12. https://randomnerdtutorials.com/monitor-your-door-using- magnetic- reed-switch-and-arduino

13. https://www.thedailystar.net/city/bus-kills-one-airport-road- radisson-hotel-dhaka-mob-goes-rampage-1612879

14. http://www.newgeography.com/content/003004-evolving-urban- form-dhaka

15. Changes in Driving Behavior Possibly Hidden in Stress Rahat Jahangir Rony, MD Tanvir Mushfique, Nova Ahmed* and Saad Azmeen-ur- Rahman* ECE Department, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, COMSNETS 2018, 10th International Conference on Communication Systems & NetworkS

6