‘A Novel Technique For Dynamic Pothole Detection & Mapping Along With An Alert System’

Abstract

The widespread problem of potholes poses signif- icant threats to road safety and infrastructure integrity as our global society increasingly relies on robust transportation net- works. Potholes, which are depressions that form on surfaces like highways, often start as small cracks but can escalate into significant hazards if neglected. This endangers both road users and the structural integrity of the roads themselves. In countries such as India, where potholes are not only common but also have serious consequences, the issue is particularly pronounced. Shockingly, incidents related to these road defects lead to over 3000 deaths annually, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to mitigate their impact. De- spite having only 2% of the world's motor vehicles, India ac- counts for approximately 12% of global traffic accident fatali- ties. Addressing this disproportionate toll requires a thorough examination of the factors influencing the severity of the situa- tion. The prevalence of potholes during the monsoon season and adverse weather conditions, which obscure them from drivers' view, worsens the problem. Establishing a robust mon- itoring system capable of closely tracking these road risks is essential for proactively addressing this serious issue. Such a system should not only identify potholes promptly but also disseminate this crucial information to the public, providing early warnings that can mitigate the harm caused by these hazardous road conditions until proper repairs can be carried out. To enhance road safety and preserve infrastructure in- tegrity, this study delves into the complexities of the pothole problem in India, examining its impacts and causes while proposing a framework for an effective monitoring system.