Lowered trucks: dangerous trend increases the risk of fatal accidents on the roads

Arched trucks: dangerous trend increases the risk of fatal accidents on Brazilian roadsArched trucks: dangerous trend increases the risk of fatal accidents on Brazilian roads (X @TumultoBR)

Lowered or arched trucks, characterized by a lowered front and a raised rear, continue to circulate on Brazilian roads, despite being prohibited and considered extremely dangerous by experts.

The practice, which began to be reported in 2022, has already resulted in fatal accidents and continues to be monitored by the country’s traffic authorities.

Even with active enforcement, more than 700 infractions related to illegal modifications, such as rear elevation, were recorded between December 2024 and January 2025, according to the Federal Highway Police (PRF).

The main concern with arched trucks is compromised safety. The suspension modification alters the center of gravity, making the vehicle unstable and affecting braking efficiency, especially when carrying cargo.

Additionally, raising the rear end puts other vehicles at risk, as the bumper is elevated, allowing smaller cars to “slide” under the chassis, increasing the chances of severe accidents, such as fatal rear-end collisions.

Despite the evident risks, many drivers continue to adopt this modification, usually for aesthetic reasons, without any functional safety benefits. The trend has gained traction on social media, where drivers showcase their modifications, and even informal competitions have emerged to see who can raise the rear end the highest.

The PRF, in addition to enforcement, also plans to intensify educational campaigns in partnership with Inmetro and Senatran to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of this practice.

Source: UOL | Photo: X @TumultoBR | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team

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