Truck Driver Arrested for Drunk Driving on BR-373

A truck driver was arrested for drunk driving on BR-373 in Coronel Vivida, Paraná, after a dangerous pursuit by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) on Sunday, January 11. The incident began after reports from other drivers about a white truck driving erratically and nearly causing accidents.

When officers located the vehicle at kilometer 470 and attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over and initiated a five-kilometer chase. During the pursuit, the driver swerved, drove into oncoming traffic, and used the shoulder to evade capture. The truck eventually stopped on the shoulder.

Officers detected signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. A breathalyzer test revealed a reading of 0.73 mg/L of alcohol per liter of exhaled air, nearly double the legal limit. A bottle of whiskey with evidence of recent use was found in the cabin.

The driver was arrested and taken to the Pato Branco Civil Police Station. Under Brazilian traffic law, drunk driving is a crime punishable by six months to three years in prison.

The events unfolded on Sunday, January 11, on the BR-373 highway in Coronel Vivida, located in the southwest of Paraná. The operation started when several motorists reported a white box truck traveling irregularly on the highway. Witnesses stated the vehicle was performing dangerous maneuvers and nearly caused several accidents.

Acting on these reports, the PRF located the truck at kilometer 470, heading toward BR-277. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to comply. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated, prompting the police to initiate a tactical pursuit.

The chase lasted approximately five kilometers. During this time, the driver posed a significant threat to public safety by:

• Driving in a zigzag pattern
• Trafficking in the opposite lane (contramão)
• Using the shoulder of the road to bypass traffic

Eventually, the truck came to a stop on the shoulder of the road, ending the dangerous pursuit.

Upon approaching the stopped vehicle, PRF agents immediately identified clear signs of alcohol intoxication. The driver exhibited slurred speech and officers detected the smell of alcohol on his breath.

A breathalyzer test was administered, which registered 0.73 milligrams of alcohol per liter of exhaled air. This result is nearly double the limit that constitutes a crime under Brazilian traffic legislation. Furthermore, police discovered a bottle of whiskey inside the truck cabin that showed evidence of recent consumption.

The driver was arrested in flagrante delicto (caught in the act) and transported to the Pato Branco Civil Police Station. He remains at the disposal of the Justice system.

According to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense. The penalty for this crime ranges from six months to three years of detention. In addition to criminal charges, the driver faces administrative penalties, including heavy fines and license suspension.

Authorities encourage the public to report dangerous driving or drunk drivers on federal highways. Citizens can communicate crimes directly to the PRF through:

• Police posts located along the highways
• The emergency telephone number 191
• The official PRF application or website

Reports can be made securely and anonymously to help maintain road safety.