Heavy vehicles and traffic accidents – Norway versus other European countries

There is a 35 percent higher risk per capita of dying in an accident involving a heavy vehicle in Norway, compared with the European average. A heavy vehicle is involved in every third traffic fatality in Norway, a proportion which is double the corresponding share for the European countries. The percentage reduction in the number killed in accidents with heavy vehicles over recent years is also less than in many other countries. Dispersed business locations and a strong economy have led to increased heavy goods traffic on Norwegian roads, which are characterized by many curves and a lack of physical division between opposing driving lanes. The report gives an overview of the risk factors associated with the use of heavy vehicles on Norwegian roads. A comprehensive and coordinated effort is proposed using a range of countermeasure domains, with increased use of technology as a consistent theme.