Teresina's BR-316 Urban Stretch Sees 85 Accidents, 6 Fatalities in 7 Months

The urban section of the BR-316 highway in Teresina, located in the South Zone, has recorded 85 traffic accidents between January and July 2026, according to the Federal Highway Police (PRF). Of these incidents, 30 were classified as serious, resulting in 101 injuries and six fatalities. PRF Inspector José Arian presented these figures, highlighting common dangerous maneuvers such as driving against traffic, entering roadways without checking for other vehicles, mobile phone use, and drunk driving. Arian specifically mentioned an incident on July 13 where a driver traveled against traffic, forcing other vehicles to swerve to avoid a collision. Driving against traffic is a severe infraction, incurring a fine of approximately R$300 and significantly increasing the risk of head-on collisions, a major cause of serious accidents and deaths in Piauí. The PRF has intensified its highway surveillance, with a special operation running from July 17 to August 2, coinciding with the increased traffic during school holidays. Drivers are advised to check their vehicles, avoid distractions like mobile phones, refrain from drinking and driving, and ensure all passengers wear seatbelts.