The accident risk of heavy vehicles in Norway

The risk of personal injury accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has been reduced by 73 % from 2007 to 2020. The corresponding reduction in the risk of fatal accidents is 61 %. The most important reasons for the reduction in the risk of personal injury accidents seem to be electronic stability control, a decrease in speed and the inspections of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's and the police. The decrease in the risk of fatal accidents also appears to be related to lower speeds and increased car body safety of the smaller counterpart vehicles in accidents. Foreign HGVs have about twice the risk of being involved in personal injury accidents and fatal accidents as the Norwegian, but the actual number of accidents that they are involved in is relatively low. The foreign HGVs are also more often defined as triggers in fatal accidents. Analyzes of contributing factors in accidents and qualitative data show that this is particularly related to demanding roads and conditions in Western, Central and Northern Norway and the foreign drivers' lack of experience.