During the recent Carnival holiday, highways in the regions of Sorocaba, Jundiaí, and Itapetininga in São Paulo experienced a tragic surge in accidents, resulting in five fatalities and over 100 incidents. The report, compiled by the concessionaires operating key highways such as Anhanguera, Bandeirantes, Castello Branco, and Raposo Tavares, highlights the concerning safety issues during one of Brazil's busiest travel periods. Between the 13th and 18th of February, more than 2.7 million vehicles were observed on these roadways, indicating a significant volume of traffic during the festivities.

The Jundiaí region was particularly affected, recording 51 accidents that resulted in two deaths and 42 injuries. A critical incident reported was the tragic case of a pedestrian being struck by a truck on the Bandeirantes highway. The São Paulo State Transport Agency (Artesp) provided insights into these occurrences, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by pedestrians and the necessity for increased safety measures on the highways.

This surge in accidents prompts a reevaluation of traffic regulations and safety protocols, especially during seasonal holidays when traffic is notably dense. Authorities may need to consider enhancing patrols and public safety campaigns to mitigate such risks in future events, ensuring the safety of travelers during festivities and beyond, to prevent further tragedies on the roadways.