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Brazilian drivers may face a road nightmare! A new proposed law brings fines of R$2.934,70 and up to 12 months of driver's license suspension. With the risk of being off the roads for 2 years, the new rules aim to reduce accidents and reinforce road safety.
O 1405 / 24 Bill, currently under analysis in the Chamber of Deputies, proposes significant changes to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
The initiative aims to classify dangerous overtaking or irresponsible driving that puts people's lives at risk as a very serious offense, establishing more severe penalties for such behavior.
What are dangerous overtaking and irresponsible driving?
According to the project, dangerous overtaking or irresponsible driving are defined as maneuvers that do not comply with traffic regulations and that represent an imminent risk to road safety and the physical integrity of people.
The intention is to prevent practices that could result in serious accidents, protecting all road users.
Proposed penalties
The project establishes a fine of R$2.934,70 for infractions classified as dangerous overtaking or irresponsible driving.
This amount corresponds to ten times the base value of the very serious fine.
In addition, the offending driver will have their driving license suspended for 12 months and will receive seven points on their National Driver's License (CNH).
In cases of reoccurrence within a period of one year, the suspension will be doubled.
Additionally, drivers punished for this infraction will not be able to drive on highways or roads for a minimum period of two years, starting from the date of the infraction.
This measure aims to reinforce the seriousness of the offense and discourage reckless behavior in traffic.
Impact of dangerous overtaking on Brazilian traffic
Overtaking in prohibited areas, at high speed or without due care represents a significant risk not only for the driver, but also for all road users, including passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, in 2022, 33.894 people lost their lives as a result of traffic accidents in Brazil.
Although there is no specific statistic on dangerous overtaking, experts point out that this maneuver is among the main causes of fatal accidents on Brazilian roads.
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) emphasizes that many of these collisions occur on single-lane highways, where the risk of dangerous overtaking is even greater.
Studies indicate that around 30% of deaths on federal highways involve head-on collisions, many of them caused by improper overtaking.
Arguments in favor of tougher penalties
Deputy Clodoaldo Magalhães, author of the project, highlights that toughening penalties is a necessary response to reduce the high rate of fatal accidents in the country.
He highlights that Brazil is among the countries with the most lethal traffic in the world, and stricter measures are essential to guarantee safety on the roads.
Other experts agree with the initiative, stating that Increasing penalties could have a deterrent effect, making drivers think twice before performing dangerous maneuvers.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that countries that have tightened their traffic laws have seen a significant reduction in the number of accidents.
What is missing for the law to be approved?
For Bill 1405/24 to become law, it needs to be conclusively approved by the Transport and Roads, and the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship committees.
After this stage, the proposal must be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
The progress of the project is being closely monitored, given its relevance to road safety in the country.
Importance of traffic education
In addition to more severe penalties, experts highlight the importance of investing in traffic education.
Educational campaigns and driver training programs can help raise awareness of the risks of dangerous overtaking and irresponsible driving, promoting safer behavior on the roads.
Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, which have implemented traffic education programs since childhood, have much lower rates of fatal accidents.
Experts believe that for the new measures to have a real impact, they must be accompanied by educational initiatives and rigorous monitoring.
For experts, Bill 1405/24 seeks to toughen penalties for dangerous overtaking and irresponsible driving, promoting safer and more conscious traffic.
The proposal reflects a growing concern about road safety and the need for stricter measures to curb practices that put lives at risk.
If approved, the project could represent an advance in Brazilian traffic legislation, helping to reduce the number of fatal accidents.
The combination of tougher penalties, traffic education and efficient enforcement could be the key to safer traffic for everyone.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a dangerous overtaking situation in traffic? What was that experience like and what do you think of the new proposed law? Share your opinion in the comments!
Most of these accidents involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages, they should be tougher and apply the law to those who drink alcohol and drive, as they are taking the risk of causing an accident that is most often fatal.
Because soon people will no longer be afraid of drinking and driving, because they know that if they cause an accident or are caught in a blitz, they will pay a fine and go home as if nothing had happened. Every day we see fatal accidents caused by drinking alcohol, families being torn apart by the irresponsible attitude of a service.
I think this law is essential for re-education in traffic. I was in a situation where another cargo vehicle was carrying out one of these irresponsible overtaking maneuvers, where I and another driver
we almost lost our lives due to the irresponsibility of a reckless person.