The Espírito Santo State Traffic Department (Detran/ES) is issuing an important warning about the dangers of using cell phones while driving by motorcyclists. The goal is to raise awareness among drivers, especially motorcyclists, so that they make responsible decisions when driving on the streets, aiming to preserve life.
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Cell phone use: Fines and alarming data
- State Department of Transit (Detran/ES) issues crucial alert
- 48% of the fatal victims in traffic accidents in Espírito Santo are motorcyclists
- Cell phone use increases risk of accidents by up to 400%
According to data from Detran/ES, 48% of the fatal victims in traffic in Espírito Santo in 2023 were motorcyclists. The Brazilian Association of Traffic Medicine (Abramet) reveals that using a cell phone while driving a vehicle can increase the risk of accidents by up to 400%, being the third leading cause of deaths in traffic.
The general director of Detran/ES, Givaldo Vieira, reinforced the importance of this alert to drivers, especially motorcyclists:
“We know that cell phones are a useful tool in our daily lives, but their use in traffic, both by drivers and pedestrians, creates distractions that result in accidents and fatalities. Our focus is on motorcyclists, who account for almost half of all deaths in the state, and especially on delivery drivers, who often work on a tight schedule. We urge them to follow traffic laws and ensure a safe return home at the end of the day.”
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Responsible choices: Road safety
Traffic agents caught motorcycle, scooter or moped drivers using their cell phones 1,463 times in Espírito Santo between January and October 2023. Of these, 995 citations occurred in the Greater Vitória region alone, exceeding the numbers for the same period in the previous year. In Greater Vitória, the records exceed the entire year of 2022.
According to Article 252 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), driving a vehicle while wearing headphones or handling a cell phone is considered a medium offense, resulting in four points on the license and a fine of R$130.16. Driving while holding or handling a cell phone is classified as a very serious offense, with seven points on the license and a fine of R$130.16.
The record of specific infractions for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds reveals the concern about drivers' choices, putting their own lives and those of other road users at risk. The increased exposure to danger in two-wheeled vehicles highlights the need for greater care and responsibility in traffic.
Be alert and aware: respect traffic laws, prioritize safety and contribute to safer traffic for everyone.
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