The governor of Tocantins, Wanderlei Barbosa, was captured on video engaging in a dangerous traffic maneuver by overtaking in a prohibited area while announcing state-funded roadworks. This incident occurred on a bridge over the Tocantins River, where Barbosa crossed a continuous yellow line, an act classified as a severe infraction under Brazilian traffic law. This raises significant concerns about road safety and adherence to traffic regulations among public officials.

The video, which was made public on Friday, also shows two other high-ranking political officials from the same party, the Republicans, who were in the vehicle with Barbosa. They were identified as Amélio Cayres, the president of the Legislative Assembly of Tocantins, and Marilon Barbosa, the president of the Municipal Chamber of Palmas. Alarmingly, both men were seen without their seatbelts, further showcasing a disregard for safety regulations. This incident not only puts their lives at risk but also sets a poor example for citizens regarding traffic laws.

Following the footage's release, g1 attempted to obtain comments from the Tocantins State Government, Municipal Chamber of Palmas, and Legislative Assembly regarding the actions of these politicians on the road. However, none of the offices responded to the inquiry, leaving questions about accountability and the consequences for public officials who violate traffic regulations. The inaction from these bodies could erode public trust in leadership and emphasizes the importance of holding leaders accountable for their conduct both in and out of the public eye.