PRF begins Operation Holy Week for safety on the highways of Mato Grosso do Sul

The Federal Highway Police (PRF) is prepared to begin Operation Semana Santa, which will begin this Thursday, March 28th, and will continue until Sunday, the 31st. The main objective of this action is to reinforce inspection and raise awareness among drivers to reduce serious accidents during the long weekend.

During the operation, the PRF will intensify its inspection of the 4,078 kilometers of federal highways in Mato Grosso do Sul. With around 600 federal highway police officers distributed across 9 police stations and 23 operational units, the PRF will be focused on combating traffic violations, providing assistance accidents, serving citizens and combating crime.

The inspection points will be aimed at preventing speeding, cell phone use while driving, improper overtaking, alcohol levels, failure to use seat belts and the absence of a device to transport minors.

Among the negative attitudes of drivers, the PRF highlights irregular overtaking, which represents a high risk of causing frontal collisions, worsening injuries in cases of accidents, and can even lead to death. In the first two months of 2024 alone, the PRF recorded 3,202 irregular overtakings on the state’s federal highways.

Another concern is the use and handling of cell phones while driving, which puts the driver, passengers and other road users at risk. Between January and February this year, 81 infractions of this type were recorded in Mato Grosso do Sul.

To ensure safety on the roads, the PRF informs about the restriction of traffic on single-lane stretches of federal highways for cargo vehicles that exceed regulatory weight or dimension limits. The restrictions will be on March 28th and 31st, at the times indicated.

The final results of Operation Semana Santa will be released on Monday, April 1st, through the PRF portal.

Guidelines for Travelers

For those who intend to hit the road during the holiday, the PRF offers some important guidance:

Before traveling, check the condition of the vehicle, including brakes, tires, lighting and signaling systems.
Avoid driving the vehicle for more than four uninterrupted hours. Be rested and in good physical and psychological condition to drive.
Respect the maximum passenger capacity allowed by the manufacturer and make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt or appropriate restraint devices.
Luggage must be placed in a separate compartment to avoid injuries in the event of an accident.
Respect the signs and the maximum speed established for the road. Only overtake in permitted places and when there is a safe time and distance.
In case of rain, reduce speed, keep your headlights on and increase the safety distance between vehicles.
Following these guidelines contributes to a safer and more peaceful journey, ensuring that everyone reaches their final destination without incident.

Source: MS Every Day
Photo: Disclosure/PRF