Sharp increase in the number of traffic fatalities

traffic accidentTraffic accident.Photo: Marius Vågenes Villanger / NTB scanpix

Road Safety has registered eleven more fatalities so far this year compared with the same period last yea

A total of 38 people lost their lives in traffic accidents between the end of last year and May. That’s eleven more than last year’s lowest record in the same period. 2015 holds the lowest record since 1947 with 27 fatalities.
This year’s fatalities remain regardless the second lowest number in the past decade and less than half compared to the year 2008 whith the highest death rates, when 77 people lost their lives in traffic.
The preliminary figures show that eight people were killed on the roads in April this year.
Director Jan Johansen in Road Safety fears that the death rate on the roads will continue to rise throughout the spring and summer. These months are traditionally the months when most accidents happen. There are many cars on the roads during weekends and holidays.
– In addition, we are experiencing a more complex traffic pattern with several cyclists, bike riders and motorcyclists. All these road user groups have a higher risk of injury than motorists. This applies especially to motorcycle riders, warns Johansen.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today