The Worst Seven Months in a Decade: 70 People Killed on Norwegian Roads

Preliminary data was presented by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). The number of fatalities since the start of 2026 is eight higher than in the same period last year. July alone also saw an increase. In July 2025, 16 people died in road accidents, while a year later the number rose to 18.

Eight of July's 18 victims were riding motorcycles. The same number of motorcyclists died in the entire first half of 2026, meaning July alone doubled this year's toll for this group. Since the beginning of the year, 16 motorcyclists have lost their lives. Such a high number of moped and motorcycle fatalities in a single July has not been recorded since 2010.

Acting Director of the Road Safety Department, Hilde Therese Halås, pointed out that the number of motorcycle accidents has not been reduced in recent years. Motorcyclists remain poorly protected in the event of a collision or fall. Statens vegvesen therefore urges the use of proper protective gear, visible and predictable behavior, and riding according to one's abilities. Car drivers, meanwhile, are advised to pay special attention to motorcycles.

Of the 18 people who died in July, 15 were men and three were women. Seven victims were aged 16 to 24, and five were between 25 and 44. Passenger cars were involved in nine fatal incidents. Eight accidents involved motorcycles, and one involved a tractor.

Four people died in July in both the Vestfold and Innlandet counties. Ten fatal accidents occurred on county roads, while eight happened on national or European routes. From January to the end of July, the highest number of fatalities was recorded in Akershus, where 15 people died. Innlandet was next, with ten victims.

The last time more fatalities were recorded in the first seven months of the year was in 2016. By the end of July that year, 84 people had died on Norwegian roads. In 2026, the number is 70. The previous year, there were 62 in the same period.

More than half of this year's victims died while traveling in passenger cars. According to Statens vegvesen's table, this concerns 39 people, compared to 22 in the same period of 2025. More than two-thirds of all fatal incidents were head-on collisions or vehicles running off the road. The 2026 data remains preliminary.

In the summer, Statens vegvesen launched the campaign "Kjør for å overleve" ("Ride to Survive"). Its goal is to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents. The administration recommends that riders carefully observe the road, seek eye contact with other road users, and constantly plan an escape route. Motorcyclists should also look in the direction they intend to ride.

Further recommendations concern speed and road positioning. Speed should be reduced before a turn and adjusted so that other drivers can spot the motorcycle in time. Statens vegvesen also advises avoiding riding in other vehicles' blind spots and maintaining space in front, behind, and to the sides. The motorcyclist's behavior should be clear to other road users.

Statens vegvesen reminds that June, July, and August usually bring more serious accidents than other months. Drivers are advised to adjust their speed to limits and conditions, drive sober, plan breaks, and keep their attention on the road. The administration hopes that actions taken during the summer will help reduce the number of serious incidents in the autumn.