An Integrated Real-Time Carbon Monoxide Detection and Vehicle Tracking System

In-vehicle carbon monoxide (CO) accumulation poses a critical safety risk, frequently leading to fatalities when occupants remain in stationary vehicles with idling engines. As CO is colorless and odorless, detection is nearly impossible without sensory assistance. This paper proposes an intelligent safety system integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller to mitigate these risks. The system utilizes an MQ-7 sensor for high-sensitivity CO monitoring, a GPS module for real-time geolocation, and GSM technology for emergency communication. Upon detecting CO levels exceeding a safety threshold, the system triggers a multi-stage response: activating a localized buzzer alarm, autonomously lowering vehicle windows via a servo motor to facilitate ventilation, and transmitting SMS alerts with precise coordinates to emergency contacts. Furthermore, the system supports remote location retrieval via cellular commands and provides real-time data visualization on an integrated LCD. Experimental results demonstrate that this proactive approach significantly reduces response times during gas leak incidents, offering a robust, low-cost framework for advancing automotive safety standards and protecting passenger lives through automated intervention.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detection, ESP32 microcontroller, GSM-GPS Integration, Automotive safety systems

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