According to data from Detran-RS, the state recorded the highest number of traffic deaths – from January to August – since 2017. The information was released this Wednesday (25) during the announcement of the creation of a thematic Chamber, which will be created to reduce traffic deaths.
Between January and August 2024, Rio Grande do Sul recorded 5,282 accidents, with 4,382 injuries and 357 deaths, on the state’s highways. Federal highways saw a reduction in traffic flow during the flood period due to blockages, but the data points to an increase of 2.94% compared to the same period in 2023. According to Detran/RS, the record shows the highest number of deaths since 2017.
Of those involved, 83% were drivers, with only 0.7% occurring on stretches of road under construction, and a total of 78.6% in a straight line. The data shows records made on 1,414 kilometers of state highways.
In Porto Alegre, 52 traffic accidents were recorded on urban roads, resulting in 55 deaths. The number represents an increase of 27% compared to the period from January to August 2024.
“We saw an increase in accidents and, as a result, we intensified inspection and traffic education actions, in addition to increasing the maintenance of road signs, important pillars in the quest to reduce deaths,” said Pedro Bisch Neto, CEO of EPTC.
A study presented by the General Institute of Expertise shows that 95% of accidents are caused by human error. In the case of the other 5%, 50 out of every thousand deaths are directly linked to mechanical failures.
“Recklessness combined with lack of maintenance kills, and these causes of accidents are the ones that can most easily be controlled and avoided,” said Valmor Oliveira, representative of the institute.
Creation of a thematic chamber to reduce deaths
The traffic authorities operating in Rio Grande do Sul have announced the creation of a thematic chamber to act as an advisory forum, aiming to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the state. The announcement was made in the auditorium of the Federation of Municipal Associations of Rio Grande do Sul (Famurs), in Porto Alegre.
The increase in accidents in the post-flood period drew attention and was a concern for the authorities, who decided to create the Permanent Thematic Chamber for Containing Traffic Accidents in RS. The group will be made up of 26 councilors and their substitutes. The chamber should include agencies, entities and representatives of civil society.
“We need to understand the causes of accidents to propose new actions and projects”, explained the president of Cetran/RS, Enio Bacci.
*With information from Ascom Detran/RS
This content was originally published in RS records highest number of traffic deaths since 2017 on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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