Driver Caught with Pool in Truck Bed on SC-404

On Wednesday, January 31, the Military Highway Police (PMRv) intercepted a pickup truck on the SC-404 highway in Florianópolis. The vehicle was spotted in the Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood with a passenger riding in the truck bed. The cargo area had been modified into a makeshift swimming pool, lined with a tarp and filled with water.

Authorities stopped the vehicle and discovered multiple violations. In addition to the illegal transportation of a passenger in the cargo area, the driver refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. An inspection also revealed that the vehicle's licensing was expired. The PMRv highlighted the dangerous nature of these infractions, reiterating their commitment to maintaining safety on state roads.

The incident took place during the afternoon hours of the last Wednesday of January. Officers patrolling the SC-404 highway noticed a pickup truck that appeared to have a person in the cargo section. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed that a passenger was sitting inside the truck bed, which had been lined with a lona (tarp) and filled with water.

The location of the stop was Lagoa da Conceição, a neighborhood known as a major tourist hub in the capital of Santa Catarina. This area typically sees thousands of visitors during the summer months. The sight of a vehicle transporting a passenger in such a manner drew attention due to the obvious safety risks involved.

The driver faced several charges beyond the makeshift pool. The primary violation was the irregular transport of people. Regulations strictly prohibit transporting passengers in the cargo bed of a pickup truck, especially under hazardous conditions like standing in water.

Furthermore, the driver refused to perform the breathalyzer test. This refusal is a specific infraction under traffic laws. Additionally, the vehicle was found to have expired licensing. The combination of these violations resulted in the driver being heavily fined and penalized.

The PMRv released a note regarding the event. They used the opportunity to reinforce their mission on state highways. The police force stated that their objective is to preserve order and protect life.

They specifically highlighted the gravity of the infractions committed by the driver. Transporting a passenger in a water-filled truck bed poses a severe risk of injury or drowning, particularly if the vehicle brakes suddenly or turns. The refusal to undergo a breathalyzer test also endangers other road users.