Evaluating Inattention Behaviour of Indian Bus Drivers Using AI-Powered Driver Monitoring Systems

This study examines the role of driver inattention on road safety, particularly focusing on public transit buses and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS). Ten public buses operating on a 150 Km stretch of National Highway (NH)-65 in Telangana, India, were equipped with DMS devices to monitor driver’s drowsiness, distractions, and falling asleep behaviours. Thirty-three drivers working in various shifts were analyzed. Data on road geometry and land use were collected across the study corridor, which was segmented into 500-meter sections. Using GIS tools, a dataset was prepared for analysis. A Time-based Weightage Index (TWI) method assessed the impact of inattention on road safety, with statistical analyses revealing significant correlations among road geometry, land use, and driver inattention. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis identified Driver Inattention Zones (DIZs), highlighting the role of road geometrics and land use in influencing driver behaviours, providing insights for safety improvements.