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Concessionaire reduces maximum speed on important Brazilian highway. The measure aims to increase road safety and protect endangered species that inhabit the region, such as the jaguar and the giant armadillo.
In a surprising measure that promises to have a direct impact on road safety and environmental preservation, a crucial stretch of one of Brazil's main highways has undergone a significant change in its speed limit.
The change aims to protect human lives and the rich local fauna, sparking debates about the coexistence between road development and environmental conservation.
Speed limit reduced on BR-101 to protect wildlife
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The Eco101 concessionaire announced that, since last Monday (23), the speed limit on the stretch of BR-101 that crosses the Sooretama Biological Reserve, in the north of Espírito Santo, was reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
The change covers kilometers 100 to 124 of the highway, including part of the municipality of Linhares. The aim is to increase driver safety and protect animals that frequently cross the road, avoiding collisions and sudden maneuvers that can result in serious accidents.
Importance of the region for biodiversity
The Sooretama Biological Reserve is a highly important ecosystem, home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as thousands of invertebrates.
Among the endangered species present in the area are the jaguar, the tapir, the black curassow, the guigó and the giant armadillo. The presence of these animals makes the region especially sensitive, justifying additional protection measures.
Periods of greatest risk and recommendations for drivers
Grazielli Pena, Sustainability Analyst at Eco101, highlights that, even with the new signage, it is crucial that drivers remain extra careful, especially between late afternoon and night, periods in which animals crossing the road highway is more frequent.
Drivers must exercise caution to avoid accidents that could be fatal for both vehicle occupants and local wildlife.
Updating signage and communication channels
Eco101 reported that all 38 signs indicating the new speed limit have already been replaced.
In addition, the dealership provides a communication channel for emergencies: if drivers see animals on the road, they can contact the specialized team via WhatsApp on number 0800 77 01 101.
Environmental impact and road safety
The reduction in the speed limit on this specific stretch of BR-101 reflects a growing concern with the integration between road infrastructure and environmental conservation.
Measures like these are essential to minimize human impact on sensitive ecosystems and promote a more harmonious coexistence between development and the environment.
Driver awareness and responsibility
Drivers’ cooperation is vital to the success of initiatives like this. Respecting speed limits and paying attention to road signs not only avoids fines, but also saves lives — both human and animal.
Raising awareness about the importance of preserving local fauna contributes to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the safety of everyone using the highway.
Future perspectives
The adoption of similar measures in other risk areas along Brazilian highways could represent a significant advance in environmental protection and accident reduction.
The integration of technologies, such as animal detection systems and specific wildlife crossings, combined with driver education, can enhance the positive results of these initiatives.
To protect drivers and the environment
The reduction of the speed limit on BR-101, in the section that cuts through the Sooretama Biological Reserve, is an action that highlights the importance of harmony between human progress and environmental preservation.
The measure seeks to protect the rich local biodiversity and ensure the safety of drivers, reinforcing the need for awareness and responsibility on the part of all highway users.
Do you believe that measures such as reducing speed limits in conservation areas are sufficient to protect local wildlife, or would additional actions be necessary to ensure the safety of animals and drivers? Leave your opinion in the comments.
In addition to reducing speed, they should create crossings on both underground and aerial highways for animals to cross.
The only thing you can't do is do something like on a highway (I don't remember which one, I only saw a picture, I don't use it) where the crossing of land animals would require mountaineering equipment, and the armadillos and jaguars didn't go to the course. The others (ocelot, puma -cougar? - giant anteater (if it lives in the area), and everyone else showed up. The birds weren't called, only the ones that don't usually fly - mainly the rheas - will need help, the parrots and other climbers liked it and would skip the course.
I think it's absurd in our country, it does nothing to favor the Brazilian economy, they just want to tax taxpayers, the concessionaires that manage the roads only want to exploit tolls.
The effective solution would be to fence off the highway and build elevated or underground passages for animals.
Keep dreaming, this has costs, unlike fines that collect money, dealerships want your money, they don't give a damn about fauna and flora!