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Tragic Toll on Norwegian Roads. Young Drivers Among the Victims of Fatal Accidents
An analysis of accidents involving young people shows that high speed is the most common factor causing fatal accidents among young drivers. Fot. Bård Asle Nordbø, Statens vegvesen
Preliminary data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) indicate an increase in the number of road fatalities. Since the beginning of 2025, 99 people have died—21 more than at the same time last year. The state budget has allocated an additional NOK 40 million for automatic speed measurement, which, according to analyses, effectively reduces the number of accidents.
Statens vegvesen warns that the situation on Norwegian roads is deteriorating. “The trend is going in the wrong direction, and this worries us,” says Guro Ranes, Director of Road Traffic Safety at Statens vegvesen.
The agency is working on a new action plan. Ranes emphasizes that more decisive measures are needed, especially regarding young drivers. This age group is most often involved in fatal accidents.
The agency is working on a new action plan. Ranes emphasizes that more decisive measures are needed, especially regarding young drivers. This age group is most often involved in fatal accidents.
High Number of Victims Among Young Drivers
October saw more fatalities than the same month last year. In one accident on the E8 route near Tromsø, as many as five people died. In 2025, 17 people lost their lives in accidents where more than one person died. Six of them were only 18 years old, and two others were 20 and 21.
Analyses by Statens vegvesen indicate that excessive speed is the most common cause of tragedies involving young drivers. The risk of a fatal accident drops significantly just one year after obtaining a driver’s license.
Analyses by Statens vegvesen indicate that excessive speed is the most common cause of tragedies involving young drivers. The risk of a fatal accident drops significantly just one year after obtaining a driver’s license.
This is another year with a high number of fatalities on Norwegian roads.Photo: Bård Asle Nordbø, Statens vegvesen
Most Victims in Vestland and Troms
The highest number of fatalities was recorded in the Vestland region—16 people, mainly during the summer months. Many of the accidents involved unprotected road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Only five involved passenger cars.
Statens vegvesen emphasizes that Vestland has not seen such a tragic year in over a decade. After the accident with five fatalities in October, Troms also joined the group of regions with worsening statistics.
Statens vegvesen emphasizes that Vestland has not seen such a tragic year in over a decade. After the accident with five fatalities in October, Troms also joined the group of regions with worsening statistics.
New Measures for Road Safety
The road authorities are announcing further actions to help reverse the negative trend. The focus will be on particularly dangerous stretches and initiatives targeting young drivers.
Statens vegvesen also plans to intensify educational efforts and invest in modern speed control systems. The goal remains the so-called Vision Zero—striving to completely eliminate fatalities on Norwegian roads.
Statens vegvesen also plans to intensify educational efforts and invest in modern speed control systems. The goal remains the so-called Vision Zero—striving to completely eliminate fatalities on Norwegian roads.
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