The Federal Highway Police (PRF) starts today (14) Operation Semana Santa 2022 on the roads of. As every year, the operation aims to promote safety when traveling on federal highways.
The effective will be reinforced until Sunday (17), in order to increase the ostensible policing. Actions will also be implemented in places and times where statistics show a higher incidence of serious accidents and a greater flow of vehicles.
In some locations, the time of greatest flow projected for the movement of travelers is the morning of the 14th and the afternoon of the 15th, for the trip; and the morning of the 17th and 18th, for the return.
safety tips
PRF gives some tips for drivers who will hit the road this holiday. Attention to traffic rules and car care are essential for a safe trip.
“It is important to check the vehicle’s safety items, calibrating the tires and observing the tire grooves, checking the good functioning of the windshield wipers and testing the functioning of the lighting, such as headlights, taillights, arrows, brake and reverse lights”.
Seat belt use is mandatory for everyone in the car: drivers and passengers. It is also suggested that travelers pay attention to the rules for using the car seat for children. “It is essential to plan the trip, seeking to avoid, as far as possible, peak hours”.
The PRF also warns of the importance of rest for the driver: “Every three or four hours of travel, it is recommended to take a rest break or take turns driving. Any stops on the shoulder must be made only in an emergency, with the hazard warning lights on and the triangle at least 30 meters from the vehicle”.
Prohibited overtaking is largely responsible for serious accidents on single-lane stretches. “Only overtake when the signs allow it and when you are sure that the maneuver is safe”.
In the case of motorcyclists, the PRF highlights the mandatory use of helmets, both for the driver and for those on the back. “Always with the visor down”, he adds, remembering that the visor prevents insects, smoke and dust from affecting the driver’s vision. Clothes such as waterproof cape or overalls are recommended, in case it rains, during the course.
rains
As there is a forecast of rain in some regions of the country, the Highway Police recommends drivers who travel in places with reduced visibility or wet roads that they pass only safely, avoiding flooded areas and always using low beams.
It is also necessary to maintain a safe distance between moving vehicles and to redouble care in curves and during sudden braking. It is also necessary to check tires and windshield wipers in these situations, as well as keep the windows clear.
As visibility is impaired in rainy situations, the PRF warns of the need to redouble attention in places where pedestrians cross. “In case of heavy rain, park your vehicle in a safe place”, he adds.
alcohol and driving
One of the main focuses of the PRF is to combat the mixture of alcohol and driving, which, according to the agency, is among the main causes of traffic accidents with victims.
“Whoever drinks and drives puts not only their own safety at risk, but also that of passengers and third parties”, he recalls.
Police teams will have breathalyzers available. “Driving under the influence of alcohol reduces the driver’s ability to react, putting the safety of all road users at risk. The whole society needs to be aware that drinking and driving are incompatible activities”, he adds.
Police officers will also be aware of the use of seat belts and other mandatory restraint devices. The use of cell phones while driving is another target of the operation.
The PRF will intensify its action in the fight against crime, especially with approaches focused on intelligence service information and the use of communication tools, to arrest criminals, recover stolen vehicles and remove illegal weapons, drugs and smuggled products from circulation.
Cargo transport drivers should be aware because the transit of “special vehicles” will be restricted to some locations to alleviate traffic.
