Rio Records 40 Percent Drop in Road Traffic Accident Victims During Quarantine

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Social isolation is saving more lives than anyone might think. In the state of Rio in March, during the quarantine period, there was a 40 percent drop in the number of traffic accident victims compared to the same period last year.

In March 2019, there were 2,317 accidents with victims, down to 1,379 in March 2020. When comparing March to February this year, there was also a 33 percent drop. In February, 2,044 people were injured in traffic.

“Social isolation decreases road traffic and is one of the factors contributing to the reduction of accident rates. In addition to hundreds of lives saved in traffic, this scenario has also contributed to relieving hospitals and ICU beds so critical at this time. But it is important to remember that, despite this drop, we must remain cautious in traffic. Let’s carry this learning of self-care and collectivity past the quarantine”, explained the president of Detran.RJ, Marcello Braga Maia, recalling the topic of this year’s ‘Maio Amarelo’ (Yellow May) campaign.

With the slogan “Realize the risk, protect your life!”, the campaign proposes small changes in daily habits that can save lives in traffic.

“We have learned that simple actions like washing our hands or using sanitizer gel and masks can save our lives. We want the population to realize that small actions at the wheel or crossing the streets can also considerably reduce the number of accidents,” said the president of Detran.RJ.

For Allan Borges, Detran.RJ’s Traffic Education Coordinator, the excessive use of electronic devices is one of the main causes for so many accidents.

“Mobile phones behind the wheel are now the third leading cause of death in traffic. Motorcycle couriers often drive with only one hand on the handlebars because the other is holding the cell phone checking the delivery address. Pedestrians are always wearing headphones when crossing streets and, inattentive, they are eventually putting themselves at risk. We need to reconsider these actions and develop new habits,” Allan says.

“Before getting in the car, for instance, drivers can block notifications on their cell phones to avoid the temptation to read messages behind the wheel. A motorcyclist should always pull the bike over to a safe point while searching for something on the device. Pedestrians, please, when crossing streets take off your headphones and do not walk while staring at the screen of the device. When we are alert we avoid risks and save our lives and the lives of others,” completed Detran.RJ’s Education Coordinator.