Toll evasion on federal highways in Brazil has seen a dramatic increase, with reports indicating that it has risen by more than 50% from 3.9 million cases to over 6 million in the last three years. This issue highlights the serious disregard for toll regulations, resulting in significant revenue losses for federal concessions. The rise in evasion is particularly noticeable in cases where drivers take advantage of open barriers behind paying vehicles.

Drivers are finding ways to bypass toll payments, with some trailing closely behind trucks to avoid the toll gates from closing. Fernando Lodi, a truck driver of 17 years, shared his experience of being targeted by those attempting to evade tolls, expressing concerns about safety and incidents that can occur when trailing vehicles are too close. The dangerous practice not only results in financial losses but also poses risks for drivers and other road users.

This alarming trend raises questions about the effectiveness of toll enforcement and overall road safety. Authorities may need to implement more stringent measures to address the rise in evasion incidents and consider the potential impact on traffic accidents that could result from such reckless behavior. The implications of this situation could extend to discussions on road management, funding for highway maintenance, and the need for better safety measures across Brazil's federal highways.