The Federal Highway Police begins Operation Holy Week 2024 at midnight this Thursday (28th), throughout Brazil. The mobilization ends on Sunday, March 31st, at 11:59 pm.
The weekend extended by the Friday holiday (29) should increase the flow of vehicles on federal highways, bringing an increase in the risk of accidents. Therefore, the PRF will reinforce inspection in places and times where there is statistically a greater probability of incidents involving serious victims. At these points, agents will combat conduct such as undue overtaking, speeding, alcohol levels while driving and failure to use seat belts.
Due to the religious tradition of Easter, movement on federal highways should be more intense towards the interior of the state between Thursday and Friday. On the way home, there should be greater flow towards the coast, concentrated on Sunday afternoon/evening.
Last year, on federal highways in SC, 105 accidents were recorded during the four days of Holy Week. In these incidents, 126 people were injured and 5 died.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTION
To increase the fluidity of traffic and reduce the risk of accidents, there will be traffic restrictions for vehicles with excess loads, that is, those that exceed the maximum permitted dimensions and that require AET (Special Traffic Authorization), on the following days and times:
Thursday, 28/03, from 4pm to 10pm;
Friday, 29/03, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm;
Sunday, 31/03, from 4pm to 10pm.
In Santa Catarina, this restriction only applies to BRs 116, 280, 282 and 470.
The Federal Highway Police recalls some actions taken by drivers that can save lives:
– Plan your trip and inspect your vehicle. It is essential to check the presence and functioning of all mandatory equipment, as well as all vehicle and driver documentation.
– Respect speed limits and obey road signs. Where there is no signage or if it is impaired, maintain a speed compatible with road conditions.
– The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear seat belts. Children under 7 and a half years old must be using a baby seat, car seat and/or booster seat.
– Always overtake on the left, only in permitted places and where there are all the necessary conditions to carry out the maneuver safely.
– Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, in order to avoid rear-end collisions in cases of sudden braking.
– Be careful with pedestrians, especially in urban areas crossed by highways. Reduce your speed whenever you notice the presence of pedestrians on the shoulders and on the sides of the highways.
– In rainy weather, reduce your speed and increase your distance from the vehicle in front. If necessary, stop off the shoulder.
