Road safety trends diverge in Rio Grande do Sul

Traffic safety indicators show contrasting trends in Rio Grande do Sul. On the RSC-287 highway, fatalities nearly doubled in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Data from the concessionaire Rota de Santa Maria reveals 11 deaths between January and June, an 83.3% increase from the six deaths recorded in the previous year. Total accidents on the stretch between Tabaí and Santa Maria rose by 8.4% to 424 occurrences, while accidents involving injuries increased by 16%.

In contrast, the city of Caxias do Sul reported a 37.27% decrease in traffic accidents over a one-year period ending in August 2026. According to the Municipal Secretariat of Traffic, Transport, and Mobility (SMTTM), occurrences dropped from 3,871 to 2,428. Officials attribute this decline to enhanced road safety measures, including increased enforcement, educational activities, improved signage, and the use of speed controllers. SAMU also reported a 6.19% reduction in traffic-related trauma calls.