The Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego de Santos (CET-Santos) has launched a new campaign titled "Imprudência é o caminho mais rápido para uma vida curta" (Imprudence is the Fastest Way to a Short Life) as part of the Maio Amarelo 2025 initiative. This year, the central theme focuses on "Mobilidade Humana, Responsabilidade Humana" (Human Mobility, Human Responsibility), emphasizing the role of each citizen in ensuring traffic safety.
From May 5 to May 9, 2025, CET, in collaboration with Detran-SP, will conduct a series of educational actions targeting motorcyclists, a group that sadly leads the statistics for traffic fatalities in Santos. Data from Infosiga indicates that in 2024, the city recorded 26 deaths on municipal roads, with motorcyclists accounting for 15 of these tragic incidents. This marks a significant increase from 2023, when only nine motorcyclists lost their lives.
To resonate emotionally with the motorcyclists and provoke reflection, the campaign features a powerful video displayed in a designated area at the Novo Quebra-Mar (José Menino). The video starkly reminds viewers that unlike motorcycle parts, life cannot be replaced. By appealing to emotions, the campaign aims to transform behaviors and ultimately save lives.
During the campaign, CET will distribute personalized keychains and informative leaflets to raise awareness among motorcyclists. The distribution schedule is as follows: on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., on May 6 and May 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on May 7 and May 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Antonio Carlos Silva Gonçalves, the director-president of CET-Santos, highlighted the urgency of the campaign, stating, "The increase in deaths among motorcyclists demands immediate action. We need to change behaviors and reinforce care on the roads. Every conscious choice can preserve a life." The Maio Amarelo activities will continue throughout the month, with the Faixa Viva program celebrating its 14th anniversary on May 10. This program will feature educational actions at pedestrian crossings without traffic signals, with ten traffic agents deployed at key locations such as Rua Maranhão (Pompeia), Galeria AD Moreira (Gonzaga), and the Aquário Municipal (Ponta da Praia).
Additionally, the Minicidade do Trânsito (Mini Traffic City) will reopen at Praça Belmiro Ribeiro starting May 12, 2025, introducing new features. In this interactive space, students will engage in practical activities and receive enlarged “hand signals” to reinforce safe crossing gestures. From May 26 to May 30, the space will be open to all families without prior registration. On May 25, as part of the Semana do Brincar (Play Week), Avenida Bartolomeu de Gusmão will host a mini buggy track to teach traffic concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Moreover, CET will conduct lectures on Defensive Driving, Traffic Legislation, and accident prevention for companies throughout May, underscoring the importance of ongoing education in the corporate environment. The urgency of the situation is evident: while motorcycle fatalities have surged (from 9 in 2023 to 15 in 2024), pedestrian deaths have decreased from 13 to 6, suggesting that well-targeted campaigns can indeed save lives. However, motorcyclists remain a top priority for educational and preventive actions.
Meanwhile, in Joinville, the Maio Amarelo program is also rolling out a series of activities designed for both children and adults across various neighborhoods. This international awareness movement aims to reduce traffic accidents and is being implemented in Joinville by the Escola Pública de Trânsito (Eptran) and the Department of Traffic (Detrans).
Activities planned for May include educational blitzes, school initiatives, corporate lectures, and awareness campaigns at pedestrian crossings. One notable project, "Visão Segura – Dirigir com Responsabilidade" (Safe Vision – Driving Responsibly), allows participants to experience the effects of alcohol on motor skills and response times using a simulator. This immersive experience is designed to highlight the dangers of impaired driving.
Another initiative, "Trânsito e Cidadania" (Traffic and Citizenship), aims to engage 4th and 5th graders with practical and playful activities that instill responsible behavior on the roads. The Eptran team will also provide guidance and distribute materials related to the "Respeite a mão, respeite a vida" (Respect the Hand, Respect Life) project at pedestrian crossings. This project encourages pedestrians to signal with their hands when approaching crosswalks, fostering better communication with drivers and enhancing traffic dynamics.
For younger students, the "Criança Atenta" (Attentive Child) project will focus on road safety themes, educating students about their roles as pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers. Educational materials, drawing blocks, and informative booklets will be distributed to enhance learning.
In a significant legislative move, Law 9.623, authored by councilor Diego Machado, has been enacted to establish the Municipal Traffic Safety Week in Joinville. The Maio Amarelo schedule in Joinville includes various events, such as the "Visão Segura" project on June 1, 2025, at Expoville during the Festa do Trabalhador, and multiple activities at schools and community centers throughout May.
In summary, both Santos and Joinville are taking proactive steps to promote traffic safety through the Maio Amarelo initiative. With a focus on education, awareness, and community involvement, these campaigns aim to reduce traffic accidents and save lives. As the importance of responsible driving and pedestrian behavior is emphasized, local authorities are hopeful that these efforts will lead to safer roads for everyone.
