The number of accidents caused by cell phone use has increased significantly, resulting in deaths. Find out all the facts!
Cell phone use is so common these days that we rarely meet anyone who doesn't have one. Although it is very useful in everyday life, its indiscriminate use can be very harmful to the user and to other people in traffic. Cell phones can distract the driver from the vehicle, greatly increasing the chances of accidents.
According to figures from the National Registry of Traffic Violations (Renainf) for the year 2021, at least 675 Brazilians took risks every day by using their cell phones while driving. This means that, every hour, 28 drivers neglected to pay attention while driving, reinforcing one of the main causes of traffic accidents in the country. In total, 246,438 traffic violations due to cell phone use were recorded in Brazil that year.
The number of accidents caused by cell phone use is now the third leading cause of traffic deaths, according to the Brazilian Association of Traffic Medicine. This practice has resulted in 154 deaths per day, around 54,000 per year, and has become a constant danger for drivers and pedestrians.
Learn more about this subject and protect yourself!
Cell phone use in traffic
Due to these alarming numbers, the Brazilian Traffic Code in its sole paragraph of article 252 states that any driver who holds or handles a telephone while driving is committing a very serious offense. The measure aims to restrict its use and reduce the rate of traffic accidents.
To avoid getting involved in or causing accidents, drivers must adopt a careful and cautious approach that eliminates distraction when driving their vehicle, always focusing on the direction, the road and the surroundings.
In the country, using a cell phone while driving implies a fine of R$293.47, adding seven points to the National Driver's License. Not using your cell phone while driving is a simple action that can save lives. This rule also applies to motorcyclists, who must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
With the increase in the number of professional motorcyclists, as delivery men, the use of cell phones on the handlebars of motorcycles has also increased the number of accidents. Therefore, it is ideal that the device is not used at all.
In addition to this practice of not using cell phones, it is important that people wear seatbelts, stop at pedestrian crossings and respect vertical and horizontal signage.
Using a cell phone at a red light
THE cell phone use Using a smartphone while the light is red is also prohibited and results in a fine and points on your license, with the offense being considered very serious. The CBT establishes the prohibition of using the device while driving a vehicle, except when it is parked in a regular and safe place. Therefore, in any situation in which the vehicle is moving, even if it is stopped at a light, the use of a smartphone is prohibited.
In the event of a repeat offense within a 12-month period, the fine for using a cell phone may double in value, according to Article 252 of the Brazilian Traffic Code. This legislation aims to ensure the safety of all users of public roads, including pedestrians who may be victims of accidents if drivers are distracted.
