Not Just Alcohol. What Worries Drivers Most Behind the Wheel
In 2025, Norwegian police stopped over 10,000 drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, medication, or other intoxicants. This highlights the scale of the threat that, according to a Frende survey, most concerns road users. The issue becomes especially relevant before the summer travel and social season.
Norwegian drivers admit what they fear most behind the wheel.
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Data from Frende Forsikring shows the scale of the problem on Norwegian roads. According to a statement based on information from the Police Traffic Service (Utrykningspolitiet), most drivers under the influence are not caught. Roger Ytre-Hauge, a representative of the organization, points out that the numbers only include detected cases. The problem affects everyday journeys.
Summer Increases the Risk. Drivers Make Decisions Too Quickly
Norway is heading into the summer season of gatherings. It's a time of parties, trips, and longer evenings when more people travel by car. Frende Forsikring draws attention to young and less experienced drivers. According to Roger Ytre-Hauge, the risk is not limited to alcohol.
Driving is also affected by lack of sleep and poor concentration. Even a small amount of alcohol can alter reaction times, and drivers should not judge for themselves whether they are fit to drive. Ytre-Hauge points to the principle of zero tolerance for combining alcohol and driving. The appeal applies to all age groups.
Driving is also affected by lack of sleep and poor concentration. Even a small amount of alcohol can alter reaction times, and drivers should not judge for themselves whether they are fit to drive. Ytre-Hauge points to the principle of zero tolerance for combining alcohol and driving. The appeal applies to all age groups.
Norway is moving further away from the so-called Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate fatalities in road accidents.Photo: Bård Asle Nordbø, Statens vegvesen
Drivers Cause Fear. Statistics Show the Scale of the Problem
In 2025, 3,686 people were injured in road accidents on Norwegian roads. That's just over 10 cases per day. Data from Finans Norge indicates a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. The most difficult months were June, July, and August. During these months, an average of 12 people per day were injured.
Driving under the influence does not only mean alcohol. It also includes pills and prescription drugs that can affect driving ability. A nationwide Norstat survey for Frende shows that 76 percent of respondents are most afraid of drivers under the influence of intoxicants. Other concerns include difficult driving conditions, animals, excessive speed, and unprotected road users.
Driving under the influence does not only mean alcohol. It also includes pills and prescription drugs that can affect driving ability. A nationwide Norstat survey for Frende shows that 76 percent of respondents are most afraid of drivers under the influence of intoxicants. Other concerns include difficult driving conditions, animals, excessive speed, and unprotected road users.
In 2025, 111 people died on Norwegian roads. The highest number of fatalities was recorded in June and July, with 16 in each of those months. Frende Forsikring reminds that responsibility also lies with passengers and those who know that an intoxicated driver intends to get behind the wheel.
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