There have been almost twice as many fatalities in traffic so far this year, as for the corresponding period last year. The number of fatal accidents in the last two months is a cause for concern.
Updated less than 20 minutes ago
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A number of fatal accidents have affected the news picture recently.
These are just some of them: May 15 dies a man and woman in their 50s from Germany, after a traffic accident on the E16 at Voss. In Steigen in Nordland died four Czech tourists when a foreign-registered car drove into a tractor from behind in a tunnel. The same week one loses man in his 60s lives in Siljan in Telemark, after a motorcycle accident.
The last two days, have three people dead in two different accidents.
– There have been an incredible number of fatal accidents in the last two months. This is a very disturbing development, says Guro Ranes at the traffic safety department at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
In May alone, a total of 19 people died in traffic. In April and May combined, 32 people lost their lives in car accidents.
Asim Shabbir Butt filmed what could have been a serious accident at E6 on Wednesday this week:
Unusual statistics
According to Ranes, the statistics for fatal accidents in the last two months are unusual and far higher than they expect.
– We have no good explanation for what has happened in the last two months. There are no external framework conditions that can explain it, she says.
Ranes nevertheless points to two possible explanations:
- The high accident rate is purely statistical coincidence
- Psychological mechanisms associated with the lifting of coronary restrictions
– But the latter alone can in no way explain the increase. It is difficult to know, she emphasizes.
– Unpleasant development
Cecile Bryner in Trygg Trafikk, also points to the corona pandemic as one of the theories as to why the number of fatal accidents has increased so drastically in recent times.
– After the pandemic, more people travel on the roads, and people are hungry to be on the move, she says.
In addition, the number of accidents often increases when the weather is good, she explains. The reason is that you usually drive on dry and nice roads, which means that many people choose to increase their speed, which in turn increases the risk of a serious accident.
– We know that recurring accident factors are high speed, inattention and intoxication, she says and adds that the causes of the latest accidents are not known and that this is being investigated.
– This is an unpleasant development, and a trend that worries us. We hope there is a wave that passes, and that the statistics are evened out, says Bryner.
–– Do not check the snap
Ranes in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration points out that the work with traffic safety in Norway works well, and that we have come a long way in the last 20 years.
– I want to emphasize the personal responsibility each of us has. There is something you and I can start with today: Remember seat belts, keep the speed limit, drive without drugs and have attention on the road.
Bryner is clear that road users must not be tempted by other things that can catch their attention when traveling on the roads.
– Do not check that snap, and do not read that message when traveling in traffic. The most important thing you do whether you drive, cycle or walk is not to do other things, she says.
She also emphasizes the importance of seat belts, and adds that 40 per cent of those killed in car accidents have either not used seat belts or used them incorrectly.
– The belt should be tight at the hip, and always lie over the shoulders. It should not be twisted, and one should not wear thick outerwear under the belt. Once the belt is clicked into place, tighten it.
– The interaction in traffic is extremely important, and that all road users take their responsibility.
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