Motorcycle accidents surge in Brazil's Norte Fluminense region

The Hospital Ferreira Machado in Campos dos Goytacazes, Norte Fluminense, recorded 2,633 motorcycle‑related emergency treatments in the first half of 2026, a rise of more than 53% from January to June. Orthopedic doctor Fábio Macedo warned that the increase strains the hospital’s ability to provide quality care and highlighted the need for safer traffic behavior, especially helmet use.

National data from the Observatorio Nacional de Seguridad Vial (ONASEVI) show 2,975 motorcycle crashes between 1 January and 12 July 2026, up by 410 compared with the same period last year. The period includes 347 fatalities and 2,901 injuries. Officials cite driver distraction, lane invasion, excessive speed, insufficient following distance and disregard for traffic signs as principal causes. Experts emphasised shared responsibility between motorcyclists and car drivers.

The hospital also treated 1,099 bicycle and 413 automobile injuries during the same timeframe, underscoring broader traffic‑safety challenges in the region.