Traffic mistakes cost lives and harm the safety of everyone on the streets.You probably commit some of these failures without even realizing it, putting at risk not only your life, but also that of other people.
Código de Trânsito Brasileiro
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Most drivers are unclear about current traffic rules, especially those that have changed in recent years.Modern technology offers practical solutions, such as apps to see real-time traffic rules, that can help you avoid fines and accidents while staying up to date on the rules.
Disrespecting traffic signs without justification
The red traffic light is not only a suggestion, it is a fundamental rule that organizes the flow of vehicles. You make mistakes when you accelerate to "catch" the yellow or advance when the signal is red, putting pedestrians at risk of hit by a roadkill and causing collisions with other drivers. This is one of the most serious errors that leads to fatal accidents in cities.
The problem intensifies when you do not respect stop signs (PARE boards). Many drivers slightly reduce the speed without actually stopping, assuming that the path is clear without proper observation. This practice significantly increases the risk of side collision, especially at busy intersections where you do not have full view of the cross roads.
Excessive speed in urban areas
You make a serious mistake when you go over speed limits in residential and school areas, where the maximum speed is purposely reduced. Overspeed reduces your reaction time in emergency situations and increases the force of the impact in the event of a collision, making accidents much more severe and fatal.
The 30 km/h zones exist because the chance of survival of a run over pedestrian drops dramatically at higher speeds. You may be late or impatient, but risking the lives of children and the elderly is not an acceptable option under any circumstances. Speeding is the root cause of approximately 30% of fatal accidents on Brazilian roads.
Using your cell phone while driving
Driving while tinkering with your phone reduces your attention by up to 37%, the equivalent of driving with blood alcohol.You can't focus completely on the road when you're answering messages, querying maps or making calls, even if it's only for a few seconds.
Traffic laws prohibit cell phone use while the vehicle is moving, but many drivers ignore this rule.If you need to actually use the phone, you should park in a safe place and do this before resuming driving.Some apps to see traffic rules include information about the specific penalties of each state for this infringement, helping you understand the severity of the ban.
Driving while drunk or under the influence of substances
Alcohol reduces your ability to coordinate motor, vision and judgment, turning you into an extreme risk on the streets. You may feel good when driving after drinking, but your reaction to the dangers is significantly impaired even with small amounts of alcohol. Brazilian law establishes zero alcohol limit for children under 18 years and 0.05% for older, being considered a crime to drive above this concentration.
The problem is not limited to alcohol, as drugs and drugs that cause drowsiness also compromise your safety.If you are going to take any medication, consult the package insert or your doctor about possible side effects that prevent safe driving. Whenever you have questions about your ability to drive, it is wiser to call a taxi, use transportation apps or ask a friend for help.
Do not wear a seat belt or protective equipment
The seat belt reduces the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%, being the most important protective equipment of your vehicle. You make mistakes when you do not adjust it correctly, allows passengers to travel without using it or does not offer special chairs for young children. Brazilian legislation requires the mandatory use of a belt in all seats and fines those responsible for not ensuring the protection of children.
Motorcyclists who do not wear a proper helmet increase the risk of death by 39% and serious head injuries. You may find it uncomfortable to put on your helmet or wear a belt on short journeys, but accidents happen precisely on these "safe" routes that you routinely do. Protecting your head and body is as important as checking fuel before leaving.
Do not maintain safe distance between vehicles
You drastically reduce your chances of stopping in a timely manner when following another vehicle too close, a practice known as "tailgating". The safe distance should be at least two seconds of travel in normal conditions, increasing to four seconds in rain or fog.
On highways, the distance should be even greater, especially when you are driving behind trucks or large vehicles that limit your view of the road ahead. If traffic is congested and you are unable to maintain this distance, it means that the speed is inadequate for current conditions.Slowing down speed and maintaining space is a defensive strategy that protects you and everyone around you.
Making dangerous and illegal overtaking
You make a potentially fatal mistake when overtaking in turns, near intersections or in areas of continuous yellow double. Traffic markings exist because statistics prove that overtaking at these locations results in catastrophic head-on collisions.Many drivers underestimate the speed of cars coming in the opposite hand, leaving themselves little time to return to the track.
Legitimate overruns require clear road visibility, enough space to complete the maneuver and no approaching vehicle in the opposite hand. If you are in a hurry, start your journey sooner rather than putting lives at risk. Apps to see traffic rules include detailed information on where it is allowed to overtake, helping you avoid fines and accidents related to this maneuver.
Parking in prohibited or illegal places
Parking in the vacancy of people with disabilities, on the sidewalk or in a pedestrian zone impairs the flow of traffic and puts at risk especially elderly and children. You may find that it is only a "park" of a few minutes, but poorly positioned vehicles cause accidents and prevent the movement of ambulances in emergencies. The fines for this type of infraction are increasing, reflecting the severity of the problem in Brazilian cities.
Parking very close to fire hydrants, garage entrances or at bus stops is also prohibited for public safety reasons. These places need to be free to allow emergency operations and maintenance of urban infrastructure.Respecting parking signage is simple, it costs only a little more patience to find a cool place.
Do not flag track changes or conversions
You reduce the predictability of your actions when you do not use the arrow before changing lanes or turning, making it difficult for other drivers to anticipate your movement. The arrow must be triggered at least three seconds in advance, giving time for other vehicles to react. This simple action prevents side collisions and surprises that cause cascading accidents.
Many drivers trigger the arrow only after starting the maneuver, when it is already late for others to react properly. You also make mistakes by not checking the mirrors and doing conversion without ensuring that the area is free. Combining signage with visual verification is the safety standard that responsible drivers follow religiously.
Driving tired or with reduced focus
You make a serious mistake when putting yourself on the street when you are excessively tired, as drowsiness impairs your reaction and attention in a similar way to alcohol. Long trips require stops every two hours for rest and movement, allowing you to regain focus and mental agility. Ignoring signs of tiredness can result in dangerous "microsons" where you lose consciousness for seconds, long enough to get off the road.
If you work as a professional driver, traffic laws set limits on continuous driving hours precisely because fatigue is a critical factor in accidents. Even as an ordinary driver, you must recognize when you are not in the proper condition to drive and postpone your trip.
Do not check vehicle conditions before driving
You put your vehicle at risk when you don't check tires, brakes, lights and windshield wipers before travel. A flat or underpressure tire affects your ability to control the vehicle, especially on corners and at higher speeds. Weary brakes reduce your ability to stop, creating emergency situations where you simply can't react in time.
Burnt lights make you invisible to other drivers in the early hours or in foggy conditions, dramatically increasing the risk of collision. These checks take only a few minutes and can be done weekly as part of your liability routine.Preventive maintenance is infinitely cheaper and safer than repairing damage caused by negligence.
Ignore changes in traffic rules
You may be driving according to rules that no longer exist, as the Brazilian Traffic Code is constantly updated with new rules and restrictions. Switching to the shoulder when you hear ambulance or police siren, for example, is a recent change that many drivers are unaware of. Being outdated with current laws is a weak excuse to disrespect them, especially when information is within your reach.
Modern apps to see traffic rules offer constant updates on changes in laws, signs and safety procedures that you should follow. Checking these applications periodically keeps you informed and avoids honest errors due to ignorance. The current trend is to use technology to democratize access to traffic information, making it easier for ordinary drivers to stay up to date without having to reread long legal documents.
