Design and Development of an Automated Carbon Monoxide Detection with Emergency Alert for Vehicle Safety

Abstract

This study proposes a compact, real-time carbon monoxide (CO) detection system for in- vehicle environments using the MQ-7 sensor and Raspberry Pi 4 integrated with a SIM7600X GSM module. The system is designed to monitor CO levels and automatically alert emergency contacts via SMS when dangerous thresholds are detected. Testing was conducted in a vehicle at five distinct locations to evaluate sensor placement and communication response. Results show that dashboard placement yields the fastest detection (5 seconds) and consistent GSM message delivery within 2–3 seconds. This system addresses the limitations of standalone CO detectors by introducing emergency communication capabilities. The solution is compact, cost-effective, and suitable for retrofitting into existing vehicles. Findings suggest the system's potential for improving automotive safety and offer a scalable model for real-time hazardous gas alert systems.