SafeRoute Scanner: A Comprehensive System for Pothole Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, Mapping, and Automated Reporting to Local Authorities

Abstract

The frequency of road accidents is on the rise with each passing day, with one of the leading causes being drivers’ unawareness of traffic signs and damaged roads due to the presence of potholes. This paper introduces a web application that helps drivers make better driving decisions by warning them of potholes and traffic signs. The application maps detected potholes on Google Maps, providing alerts to other users travelling on the same road. Additionally, it reports the detected pothole locations to local authorities for repair. This approach utilizes the YOLOv8 algorithm for traffic sign and pothole detection. The proposed system aims to enhance driver safety while also engaging users in assisting local authorities with road repairs, which is cost-effective and less time-consuming.