In-depth study of 130 fatal accidents involving heavy goods vehicles in Norway 2005–2008

130 fatal accidents involving heavy goods vehicles have been studied in depth by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. We have coded and analysed these in terms of 14 risk factors found in the research literature on heavy vehicle accidents. 15 accidents are assumed suicides. Among the remaining 115 fatal accidents there are 76 head-on accidents, 15 single accidents, six accidents in intersections, 10 accidents in the same direction, and nine accidents involving pedestrians or bike riders. In the head-on accidents the heavy vehicles were responsible in 18 cases. Speed, error, fatigue and inattention are the most important risk factors found in accidents caused by the heavy vehicles. Speed, fatigue and inattention are also the most important factors in accidents caused by the other vehicle involved. The in-depth accident reports are assessed as research data, and improvements are proposed.