13 people died in traffic accidents in June – more than half were motorcycle accidents

Seven of the 13 who lost their lives in traffic accidents in June drove motorbikes.

– I am worried after 13 men have already died in motorcycle accidents this year, she says, and this before the summer holidays have fully started, says department director Guro Ranes in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration in a press release.

She points out that summer is historically the time with the most serious accidents compared to the rest of the year, as there are more people on the roads and many drive in places they may never have been before.

– That’s why we all have to be extra strict in summer traffic. And if you drive a motorcycle, you are extra vulnerable and must show particular care and drive according to your own skills, continues Ranes.

Collision accidents and descents dominate

In the accident figures for the first half of 2024, it appears that 36 men and 15 women have died in traffic accidents so far this year. 70 percent of fatal accidents are collisions or run-offs.

– There have been an extra large number of collision accidents this year. In this type of accident, there is more than one vehicle involved and therefore there is an extra high potential for damage in these accidents, says press manager Christoffer Solstad Steen at Trygg Trafikk in a press release.

He believes that the authorities should prioritize building medians or reinforced median markings on accident-prone stretches to prevent collisions.

– Center traction prevents collisions in an effective way. We need more of this. Where it is not feasible, reinforced center markings should be used. This is a measure we know works, says Steen.

– Difficult to leave the mobile alone

At the same time, Steen points to driver error as the most frequent contributory cause of fatal accidents in Norway, and blames inattention for much of the blame. He believes that too many people allow themselves to be distracted while driving.

– It is clearly difficult to leave the mobile alone. We therefore recommend that everyone use the “car mode” or “driving mode” function on the phone. This is similar to the more familiar “airplane mode” and prevents you from receiving notifications while driving, says Steen.

At the same time, he recommends using driver support systems, which can help prevent accidents. He advises against turning off such systems in the car, which can help prevent accidents where you are inattentive, fall asleep or feel unwell.

– Some systems also help you keep your lane. This is one of several good examples of solutions that are in newer cars to prevent accidents. If you have this in the car, you must not switch it off, even if it can irritate you, urges Steen.