Recklessness and the physical and mental state of drivers represent the main reasons for fatal accidents on Brazilian roads. According to data presented in the Annual Report of the Federal Highway Police (PRF), 6,043 deaths were recorded on federal highways in 2025, with 4,458 of these cases (which corresponds to 74%) originating from human errors and driver health issues.
This index points to a worrying situation, as at least 12 deaths occur daily in the country due to factors such as speeding, sleepiness, lack of reaction, and substance use.
Experts identify that inattention, fatigue, anxiety, and impulsivity are currently major contributors to insecurity on the roads. Driving behavior directly reflects the population's mental health status. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Brazil ranks first globally in anxiety, with 18.6% of the population dealing with this disorder. Additionally, a recent study conducted by the University of São Paulo (USP) revealed a 15% increase in work leave registrations related to mental disorders, specifically depression and anxiety.
Fatigue directly affects the driver's response capacity, reduces concentration, and impairs judgment. This risk is aggravated during vacation periods, when many people choose to travel already at the limit of emotional exhaustion.
Accident prevention must start with changing the driver's behavior, and several simple and effective practices can be adopted to reduce risks on highways. It is essential to prioritize rest, as poor sleep can reduce a driver's reflexes by up to 30%, making it advisable to avoid driving during natural rest hours, such as between 2 PM and 4 PM and after 10 PM. Staying hydrated is another crucial point, as dehydration can cause mental fatigue and impair focus, so water should be drunk every 30 or 40 minutes of travel.
Furthermore, consuming light meals is recommended, as heavy foods tend to cause drowsiness and distract from the road. Regular breaks are essential; stopping the vehicle every two hours allows walking and stretching, which helps restore circulation and readjust mental attention. Finally, it is vital not to drive under strong emotional states, whether due to anxiety, depression, anger, or haste, as these conditions considerably increase the probability of driving errors. If travel is unavoidable, it is suggested to choose times with less traffic, reduce speed, and increase the frequency of stops. Before starting the journey, the driver needs to perform an internal 'maintenance,' using emotional balance, appropriate rest, and mindfulness as effective tools to preserve lives on the road.
The traffic safety service reported that 671 drivers in Uzbekistan have accumulated more than 12 penalty points for violating traffic rules. These drivers will face measures of responsibility established by legislation.
According to the current procedure, if a driver accumulates more than 12 points, they may be deprived of the right to drive a vehicle for a period of at least six months.
In addition, during the reporting period, traffic safety service employees issued administrative warnings to 399,269 citizens. As of May 19, the number of drivers who exceeded the threshold of 12 penalty points reached 107 people.
The most frequently recorded violations included driving without wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or watching videos while driving, exceeding the allowed speed, failing to observe stopping and parking rules, and crossing the roadway in a prohibited place.
It is important to note that starting from July 1, 2025, penalty points will be assigned based on protocols drawn up by road patrol service employees, as well as based on data obtained from automatic cameras starting from April 1. Furthermore, in February, an administrative warning was introduced in Uzbekistan for minor traffic violations, which can be received once a year for not wearing a seatbelt, using a phone, lacking technical inspection or insurance, violating parking rules, or crossing the street in an unauthorized place.
