Project Hub /Automotive EV & Transportation/Smart Vehicle Safety & ADAS/DIY Bus Overload Alert System to Ensure Road Safety

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹500 – ₹1,500

3 – 6 Hours

Complete Kit

DIY Bus Overload Alert System to Ensure Road Safety

A DIY bus overload alert system built using an Arduino Nano and an IR sensor to count passengers and trigger an alarm when the capacity exceeds the limit.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Arduino Nano C Type V3 ATMEGA328 with Soldered Headers Rs. 608.00
I2C Module for 16x2 (1602) Character LCD Rs. 109.00
IR Proximity Sensor Module With Pot Rs. 55.00
10pcs 5mm RED Diffused Light Emitting Diodes - LEDs Set Rs. 39.00
Piezo Buzzer (Big) 6-12V Rs. 45.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

Browse all components

How It Works

The DIY Bus Overload Alert System functions by using an Arduino Nano as the central processing unit to monitor passenger capacity in real-time. An infrared (IR) sensor module acts as the counting mechanism, detecting interruptions in its beam each time a passenger passes through a doorway or threshold. These digital signals are sent to the Arduino Nano, which runs a custom program written in the Arduino IDE to keep a running tally of the passenger count. The system compares this current count against a pre-programmed maximum capacity limit. To provide visual and auditory feedback, the setup includes an LCD I2C display (RG1602A) connected via the LiquidCrystal library, which continuously shows the live passenger count on a screen. If the number of detected passengers exceeds the safety threshold, the Arduino Nano immediately triggers two alerts: a 5mm LED lights up to provide a visual warning, and a piezo buzzer activates to emit an audible alarm. The entire circuit is assembled on a breadboard using jumper wires and is powered reliably by a 5V USB power adaptor, ensuring that the microcontroller and all peripheral modules receive a stable and safe operating voltage.

Why Build This

To create practical safety systems that prevent accidents caused by vehicle overloading in school buses and public transport.

To gain hands-on experience in combining digital sensors, microcontrollers, and output devices like LCD displays and buzzers into a single functional project.

To understand how real-time data processing and conditional logic can be applied to solve everyday transportation and safety challenges.

Real-World Application

School bus safety, public transport monitoring, and preventing accidents caused by vehicle overloading.

Skills You'll Learn

Microcontroller programming

I2C communication protocol

Digital sensor interfacing

Real-time event counting

Output actuation with buzzers and LEDs

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper wiring connections and use a stable 5V power supply to avoid component damage.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

IR SENSOR

LCD I2C

PIEZO BUZZER

C++

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the I2C module on the LCD screen?

The I2C module reduces the number of required wiring connections between the LCD and the Arduino Nano from six or more down to just four (VCC, GND, SDA, SCL), simplifying the circuit assembly.

How does the IR sensor actually count passengers?

The IR sensor detects objects by reflecting infrared light or breaking an IR beam. Each time a passenger passes by, the sensor registers a change in state, which the Arduino counts as one person entering or leaving.

Can I power this project using a standard computer USB port?

Yes, a standard computer USB port or a 5V USB power adaptor can safely supply the necessary voltage and current for the Arduino Nano, LCD, sensors, and buzzer.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-00874