This year's Carnaval period was marked by a significant increase in road fatalities, with the Polícia Rodoviária Federal reporting 130 deaths over the six-day holiday, representing more than a 50% increase compared to 2022 and the highest number of fatalities since 2020. The alarming rise has been attributed to reckless driving, as authorities issued 2,400 fines for driving under the influence of alcohol and noted over 50,000 instances of speeding violations. The increase in road accidents has highlighted ongoing issues with road safety and driver behavior.

Several tragic incidents were reported, including a severe accident on BR-020 near the Federal District, where a van collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of five passengers and injuries to eleven others. Another significant incident occurred on BR-153 in Marília, São Paulo, where a bus carrying farm workers from Maranhão to Santa Catarina overturned, killing six individuals. These accidents emphasize the perils drivers face during holiday travel and raise concerns about the effectiveness of current safety measures, especially during peak travel periods like Carnaval.

The report from the Polícia Rodoviária Federal is a grim reminder of the dangers associated with holiday travel in Brazil, prompting calls for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. As the country observes these troubling statistics, there may be a push for more comprehensive campaigns aimed at mitigating reckless driving behaviors during major holidays and ensuring safer roads for all travelers.