
James G. 2025 | BASIS Independent Fremont
- Project Title: SafeSense: Advancing Road Safety Through AI-Powered Driver Monitoring Technology
- BASIS Independent Advisor: Dr. Araci
Drowsy driving is a critical issue, leading to 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities annually, with societal costs ranging from $12.5 billion to $109 billion. To solve the problem of drowsy driving, this project introduces SafeSense, an AI-powered device that monitors driver alertness and prevents accidents. The device Has a compact design with a portable camera that captures a livestream of the driver’s face. Advanced computer vision techniques, using Java and Google Mediapipe, analyze head posture, eyelid movements, and facial expressions for real-time detection of drowsiness and distraction in drivers. SafeSense provides instant alerts to drivers, helping to prevent potentially fatal lapses in attention.
My approach begins with creating a CAD design in Fusion 360, followed by 3D printing a custom case to house the device's components, including a Raspberry Pi board and camera. The detection system is paired with a mobile app, designed in Figma, which allows users to customize alerts, locate nearby rest stops, and notify emergency contacts if necessary. By developing SafeSense, I aim to go through the lean startup process while creating an innovative, user-friendly solution to improve road safety and encourage good driving practices among all.