DESIGN OF ALCOHOL DETECTION

WITH ENGINE LOCKING SYSTEM

USING ARDUINO UNO
ABSTRACT
• The alarming rise in road accidents attributed to drunk driving
necessitates the development of innovative, technology-driven
solutions to enhance road safety, particularly in developing
countries such as Tanzania, where traffic incidents have
significant social and economic impacts. This project proposes a
comprehensive alcohol detection and engine locking system
using an Arduino Uno microcontroller, designed to prevent
vehicles from being operated by intoxicated drivers. The system
incorporates an MQ-3 alcohol sensor, which detects alcohol
levels in the driver’s breath. Upon detecting concentrations
exceeding the legally permissible threshold, the Arduino Uno
processes the data and triggers a mechanism to immobilize the
vehicle’s engine, effectively preventing its operation.
ABSTRACT
• This solution aligns with Tanzania's National Road Safety
Policy by promoting proactive measures to reduce drunk
driving incidents, which are a leading cause of fatalities
in the country. Moreover, its low-cost and sustainable
design makes it highly adaptable to the Tanzanian
context, where resource constraints often limit access to
advanced technologies. The experimental outcomes
demonstrate that this system can effectively detect
alcohol, notify relevant stakeholders, and immobilize
vehicles, contributing significantly to improved road
safety and saving lives in regions with limited law
enforcement capacity.
INTRODUCTION
• In this modern era, a series of technological innovations
has been developed to address critical challenges in
road safety and transportation. Drunk driving remains a
leading cause of road accidents worldwide, posing
significant threats to human lives and economic
stability, particularly in developing nations like Tanzania.
To combat this issue, integrating advanced technology
with traditional methods of law enforcement offers a
viable solution.
• In 2021 a test was done on “Drug and alcohol use in Tanzanian road
traffic collision drivers” by Adeline Dozois ,Paulina Nkondora ,Erin Noste,
Juma A Mfinanga , Hendry R Sawe and Michael S Runyon
• We screened 5264 eligible trauma patients over the study period, of
whom 4731 were excluded because they were not an RTC driver (4609
patients), presented >24 h after the collision (117 patients), or were
younger than 18 years old (5 patients). An additional 115 patients were
excluded because they were unable to respond to questioning, produce
samples (15 patients) or declined participation (100 patients). Our final
study population was 418 (Fig. 1). Of these, only eight patients (1.9%)
were missing a complete ASSIST, of whom all had a UDS but only one
had a BAC (12.5%) performed. Among patients with an ASSIST ≥1
(indicating lifetime illicit substance use), 41.7% had a UDS and 55.9% had
a BAC performed. For patients with an ASSIST of 0 (reporting no lifetime
substance use) 84.1% had a UDS and 41.7% had a BAC performed.
INTRODUCTION
• By deploying devices such as alcohol sensors, these systems
can detect the presence of alcohol in a driver's breath and
instantly take preventive actions, such as disabling the
vehicle's engine. This approach can help reduce the
occurrence of drunk driving incidents and promote safer road
use.

• In the Tanzanian context, road safety is a critical concern, with

drunk driving being a major contributor to the nation’s high
rate of road accidents. The implementation of such a system
would not only save lives but also align with the government's
National Road Safety Strategy.
INTRODUCTION
• By addressing the specific needs and challenges of
Tanzania, this project aims to contribute to the reduction
of road accidents caused by drunk driving and improve
the overall safety and security of the country’s
transportation system.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
• In Tanzania, road accidents caused by drunk driving
remain a significant concern, endangering lives and
property. Current measures to prevent such incidents
are limited and often depend on manual enforcement,
which is not consistently effective. There is a need for
an automated system to detect alcohol consumption
among drivers and prevent vehicle operation when
intoxication is detected
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
• To design and implement an alcohol detection system
using Arduino Uno that automatically disables a
vehicle's engine when alcohol consumption is detected,
thereby enhancing road safety and reducing accidents
caused by drunk driving in Tanzania.
LIST OF LITERATURES REVIEWED
01. Alcohol Detection and Proposed system it is resourcefully detect alcohol S. V. Altaf
Motor Locking System through driver breath and stop the vehicle by , Suggala.
interrupting the [Link] can implement a Abhinay
mechanism to cut off fuel supply , Ebran Ansari
instead of stop ignition system directly , Md. Kaunain
, Rashid Anwer
LIST OF LITERATURES REVIEWED
02. Health Monitoring with GPS and GSM can be added to this proposed [Link] Francis,
Alcohol Detection and system to send the geographical location of the [Link]
Ignition Control System drunken Wilfred, [Link]
using IoT driver to the nearby police stations to take prior
actions
before any disaster happens to the lives of innocent
people.
LIST OF LITERATURES REVIEWED

03. Pollution and Alcohol An Infrared feature can be used to T. Pavan Kumar,
Level Based Automobile avoid a problem if the driver acts smart N. Chandana,
Ignition System to fool the system. [Link],
[Link], K.
Sreedhar Reddy,
LIST OF LITERATURES REVIEWED
04. Alcohol Detection And advancements in sensor [Link],
Engine Locking System technologies, such as improved alcohol T. Shambaiah,
To detection methods and biometric sensors, G. Mukesh,
Prevent Drunk Driving could enhance the precision and reliability Md. Owaiz
of the system. Integration with emerging
technologies like artificial intelligence may
enable more sophisticated decision-making
algorithms, ensuring accurate identification
of impaired individuals.
LIST OF LITERATURES REVIEWED
05. Design and Implementation if the driver is wearing a mask or has his mouth Ugochi
of In-Vehicle Alcohol covered, the amount of breath he exhales will be [Link]
Detection and Speed inadequate to trigger the action. If the driver covers Aminat [Link]
Control System the sensor module with a handkerchief or a piece of
fabric, the sensor module will not work correctly
since the sensor's input is obstructed, enabling the car
to start. The device will also be unable to work
properly if the sensor's vents get blocked with
dust/dirt or other impurities. Incorporate a
temperature and humidity sensor for condition
correction.
PROJECT SCOPE
• This project focuses on designing and implementing an alcohol
detection and engine-locking system using Arduino Uno
KEY DELIVERABLES
1. Functional Prototype: A fully operational alcohol detection and
engine-locking system.
2. Technical Documentation: Technical report with detailing systematic
procedures of the project designing
3. Test Reports: Performance validation data from actual field tests and
the results of the test.
EXCLUSIONS
• This project will not include GPS tracking for the vehicle at the
location of alcohol detected so as to reduc cost
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
1. Accurate Alcohol Detection and engine locking system using Arduino
uno : Ensure detection of alcohol levels as per Tanzanian legal limits.
2. technical report containing detiled documenting of design,
development and testing of the performance of the alcohol detection
with engine locking system using Arduino uno as well as the results and
the evalution of obtained results .
3. circuit diagrm and blue prints of the the system.
4. the source code used to program the Arduino uno.
5. recomendtions for future scope and improvement so s to scle up the
application of the project.
PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE
• The project's importance in the Tanzanian context is multi-
dimensional:
1. Safety Enhancement: Tanzania faces a high incidence of road
accidents attributed to drunk driving. By automating alcohol detection,
this system can significantly reduce these numbers.
2. Cost-Effective Solution: The use of Arduino technology ensures
affordability for broad adoption in Tanzanian communities
3. Alignment with Policy: Supports Tanzania’s National Road Safety
Strategy by providing a tangible, technology-driven tool to combat road
accidents due to drunk driving.
PROJECT METHODOLOGY
Design and Development Process 1. System Design
• The project involves developing Input Module: The MQ-3 alcohol
an alcohol detection system sensor is used to detect the
integrated with an engine- presence of alcohol in a driver's
locking mechanism. Below is a breath. It outputs an analog signal
detailed explanation of the proportional to the alcohol
design and development [Link] sensor is
process: calibrated to align with Tanzanian
legal alcohol limits for drivers (e.g.,
0.08% BAC).
•
1. System Design

Processing Module: The Arduino Uno microcontroller processes the

signal from the MQ-3 sensor. It compares the measured alcohol
concentration against the pre-programmed threshold.
Output Module: If the alcohol level exceeds the permissible limit, the
Arduino triggers a relay that disables the vehicle's ignition system or
fuel supply.
Optional Modules
LCD Display: Shows real-time alcohol levels and system status.
[Link] Steps
Requirements Analysis: Analyze Tanzanian traffic and road safety laws
to determine legal alcohol limits. Assess vehicle models common in
Tanzania for engine immobilization compatibility.
Prototyping: Build a small-scale prototype using the Arduino Uno, MQ-3
sensor, and a relay module.
Circuit Design: Use software to design the circuit layout.
Programming: Write and upload Arduino code using the Arduino IDE.
Integration:Combine the input, processing, and output modules into a
cohesive system.
[Link] and Software Required
• Hardware Tools
- Arduino Uno: Microcontroller for system control. This development
board that works on atmega-328P is quick and powered by electricity.
- MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor: Detects alcohol levels in the driver's breath. It is
made of tin dioxide (SnO2) delicate layer. It is sorted in away that it has
high affectability to liqour and low to benzene and has immidiate drive
circuit to give live reaction.
- Relay Module: Controls the ignition or fuel supply system.
- Power Supply: Provides consistent voltage to all components.
- Breadboard and Jumper Wires: For prototyping.
[Link] and Software Required
• Software Tools
- Arduino IDE: For programming and uploading the system's logic to the
[Link] is a downloadable software. This intergrates the arduino uno
in programming language.
- Excel/Google Sheets: To log test results and analyze performance data.
-Fritzing – For creating circuit diagrams and visualizing the electronics
setup.
-SolidWorks or AutoCAD – For detailed design and modeling of the
dustbin and its components.
-Proteus – For simulating the interaction between hardware
components and the Arduino UNO
[Link] and Validation
• Testing Phases • Vehicle Testing:Install the system in a
• Module Testing: it involves Test of each test vehicle and conduct controlled
individual components such as the tests in real-world conditions and
MQ-3 sensor, Arduino, and relay scenarios, such as A sober driver
module to ensure functionality. Here (system allows engine operation) and
an alcohol solution is used to verify the An intoxicated driver (engine locks).
sensor’s sensitivity and it’s accuracy. • Environmental Testing: this involves
• System Testing: it involves Integrating Testing the project in Tanzanian
all modules and test the system on a conditions (e.g., high temperatures,
prototype setup. It also Ensures proper dust, and humidity) so as to Verify
communication between the sensor, system robustness against
Arduino, and relay. environmental factors
[Link] and Validation

• Validation Process • Stakeholder Feedback:

• Accuracy Validation: Comparing Presenting the system to local
the alcohol sensor readings with law enforcement and road safety
a certified breathalyzer to experts in Tanzania for
ensure accuracy. evaluation and Iterative
Improvement thus Using
• Reliability Validation: Running feedback to refine the design
long-duration tests to ensure the and address limitations (e.g.,
system remains functional over false positives, environmental
extended periods of time and in interference).
different conditions.
Expected Outcome
By following this structured design, development, and testing
approach, the system will:
• Accurately detect and prevent drunk driving incidents.
• Operate reliably in diverse Tanzanian conditions.
• Be affordable and scalable for widespread adoption across the
country.
 REFFERENCES
• [Link] investigation of road accidents casuality in Dar es salaam: a case of reported motor vehicle
accidents in 2018 by Leyla A. Mchawe.
• [Link] accidents in tanzania: causes, imapct and solution by Salum Haji hamis and Hamis A. Juma.
• [Link] Road Safety Policy by Ministry of Infrastructure development , dar es salaam september
2009.
• [Link] Detection and Motor Locking System by S. V. Altaf, Suggala. Abhinay, Ebran Ansari, Md.
Kaunain, Rashid Anwer.
• [Link] Monitoring with Alcohol Detection and Ignition Control System using IoT
• [Link] Francis, [Link] Wilfred and [Link].
• [Link] and Alcohol Level Based Automobile Ignition System T. Pavan Kumar, N. Chandana,
[Link], [Link] and K. Sreedhar Reddy.
• [Link] Detection And Engine Locking System To Prevent Drunk Driving by [Link], T.
Shambaiah, G. Mukesh and Md. Owaiz.
• [Link] and Implementation of In-Vehicle Alcohol Detection and Speed Control System by Ugochi
[Link] Aminat [Link].
• Alcohol Detection And Engine Locking System by Nookala Venu, Vamshi M, Akhil V, Deepika V,