A traffic education campaign was launched this Tuesday, the 27th, in Santarém, located in western Pará. The focus of the initiative is the use of mobile phones while driving, under the slogan 'Cell phone at the wheel, constant danger.' This project, promoted by the Municipal Secretariat of Mobility and Traffic (SMT), aims to increase drivers' awareness of the dangers caused by distraction while driving and consequently reduce traffic accidents.
The launch ceremony took place at 8 am at the Municipal Center for Environmental Information and Education (Ciam), located downtown. During the event, a lecture focused on traffic accident prevention was held, with the participation of students from Frei Ambrósio School, as well as representatives from traffic agencies and the Social Service of Transport and the National Service for Learning in Transportation (Sest Senat).
According to information from the SMT coordination, activities will be intensified until the end of the year and will cover two main topics: cell phone use while driving and the combination of alcohol with vehicle operation. The program includes educational blitzes and the promotion of activities in both public and private establishments. The secretariat also held a meeting with representatives of cargo and passenger carriers who use applications to disseminate guidelines.
A second of distraction can be fatal
João Betcel, an SMT traffic educator, reported an increase in records of infractions involving drivers who use or talk on their cell phones while driving, and the secretariat has also noticed more accidents linked to this behavior.
During the campaign, Thiago Oliveira, an SMT representative, emphasized that just reading a message can divert the driver's attention, thus compromising road safety. He warned: 'A message is not worth a life.' Furthermore, the proposal will be extended to municipal and private schools to guide young people before they obtain their first National Driver's License (CNH).
The Federal Highway Police (PRF) also integrated the activity, reinforcing the inherent risks of driving with a cell phone. A representative of the institution clarified that such an infraction is classified as extremely serious and involves adding seven points to the CNH. Amóis Barbalho, head of inspection at the PRF, detailed that even in short periods of inattention, the vehicle can travel a significant distance, increasing the danger to the driver, occupants, and other road users.
Education starting in school
The objective of the campaign with students is to foster safe habits before the start of their journey as drivers. Jaqueline, a student present at the lecture, cited two recommendations received: refrain from using a cell phone while driving and not driving after consuming alcoholic beverages. She stated that these guidelines are crucial 'to preserve lives and protect society.'
Professor Luzineide Aguiar, who monitored the schedule, underlined the relevance of discussing traffic safety with young people. She added that students have the capacity to share the knowledge acquired with their families and the community in general. The campaign reiterates that driving and using a cell phone demand a level of attention incompatible with any type of distraction, making it essential to keep focus on the road and avoid handling the device while the vehicle is in motion.