A truck driver has been indicted for causing an accident that resulted in 11 fatalities on BR-116, with investigations indicating speeding and distraction as key factors.
The Civil Police of Brazil has concluded the investigation into a serious accident that led to the tragic loss of 11 lives on BR-116 in Pelotas, located in the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul. This incident, which occurred on January 2 during the New Year holiday, involved a collision between a truck and a bus. A 25-year-old truck driver has been charged with involuntary manslaughter under traffic laws, highlighting the grave consequences of negligent driving.
According to the investigation findings, thorough analyses of reports from both the Federal Highway Police and the General Institute of Forensic Science revealed that the truck driver was both speeding and distracted at the time of the crash. Specifically, it was determined that the driver was manipulating the radio when the collision occurred, which emphasizes the dangers of distracted driving. In the aftermath of the accident, the driver sustained minor injuries and tested negative for alcohol consumption after the incident.
The Federal Highway Police reported that the truck was traveling at speeds exceeding 75 km/h, significantly above the segment's speed limit of 40 km/h due to ongoing roadworks. This tragic event sheds light on the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations, particularly during busy holiday periods, and raises questions about how to implement stricter measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
