São Paulo utility pole collisions increase in Campinas and Rio Preto regions

Traffic accidents involving collisions with utility poles have increased across several regions in the state of São Paulo. In the São José do Rio Preto area, CPFL Paulista reported 1,607 occurrences in the first half of the year, a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. São José do Rio Preto recorded 49 incidents, while the municipality of Cedral saw a 500% increase.

In the Campinas region, data from Neoenergia Elektro and CPFL indicate a significant rise in accidents, with some cities like Valinhos experiencing a 171% increase. These collisions often occur on fast-moving roads during nighttime or rainy conditions, frequently attributed to driver imprudence.

Beyond the physical danger to pedestrians and drivers, these accidents cause power outages and damage electrical infrastructure. Utility companies noted that drivers responsible for the damage may be held liable for replacement costs, which average approximately R$ 6,000 per pole.