A driver drowsiness detection and alerting system

The present invention relates to a driver drowsiness detection and alerting system comprising a plurality of marks in ring configuration around an exterior cylindrical surface of a vehicle's steering wheel column assembly, and an optical sensor assembly near the plurality of marks for detecting movement of the marks, the optical sensor assembly connected to a means for alerting the driver if the steering wheel does not move for a prescribed time period while the motor vehicle is moving, characterized in that the optical sensor assembly comprises a optical detector and a light emitter adjacent to each other. Additionally, the present invention relates to a kit of parts for such driver drowsiness detection and alerting system.