Os radares fixos modificam o comportamento relacionado à velocidade excessiva dos condutores em áreas urbanas? ¿Los radares modifican comportamientos de velocidad excesiva en áreas urbanas?

Abstract This observational study aimed to estimate the prevalence of speeding on urban roadways and to analyze associated factors. The sample con-sisted of 8,565 vehicles circulating in areas with and without fixed speed cameras in operation. We found that 40% of vehicles 200 meters after the fixed cameras and 33.6% of vehicles observed on roadways without speed cameras were mov-ing over the speed limit (p < 0.001). Motorcycles showed the highest recorded speed (126km/h). Most drivers were men (87.6%), 3.3% of all driv-ers were using their cell phones, and 74.6% of drivers (not counting motorcyclists) were wear-ing their seatbelts. On roadway stretches without fixed speed cameras, more women drivers were talking on their cell phones and wearing seat-belts when compared to men (p < 0.05 for both comparisons), independently of speed limits. The results suggest that compliance with speed limits requires more than structural interventions.Traffic Accidents; Accident Prevention; Velocity Measurement; Urban Health