Multiple serious traffic accidents occurred across Finland on Friday morning. The most severe incident happened around 7 AM in Kulloo, Porvoo, where a passenger car and truck collided head-on. Authorities closed Road 148 completely, and traffic disruptions are expected to last several hours. No information about injuries is available yet, and case communication has transferred from rescue services to police.
Poor driving conditions appear to have caught heavy transport vehicles by surprise. At least four truck accidents were reported throughout Friday. In Raahe, a truck veered into a ditch between Ylivieska and Liminka around 1 AM. Authorities closed the traffic lane completely.
In Sipoo, a vehicle combination tipped onto its side on Ă–ljytie around 2 AM. A rescue official described the scene, noting the truck remained stuck in a ditch near their station. The road closed before 9 AM for recovery operations expected to take one to three hours. The official assessed driving conditions as slippery but couldn't determine the exact cause of the overturn.
Additional incidents included an extra-long vehicle combination tipping over in Siikalatva and a heavy vehicle ending up in a ditch in Oripää. Helsinki's Ring Road I experienced temporary congestion after a rear-end collision before 7 AM near Kannelmäki, resulting in one minor injury.
Fintraffic and the Finnish Meteorological Institute have issued warnings about poor driving conditions. Northern Finland faces extremely poor conditions due to snowy roads and strong winds. Southern and central regions struggle with icy road surfaces causing hazardous driving.
Finnish winter driving conditions regularly challenge even experienced drivers. The country's extensive road network requires particular caution during seasonal transitions. Early winter often brings the most dangerous conditions as drivers adjust to colder temperatures and changing road surfaces.
Heavy transport vehicles face special risks during poor weather. Their size and weight make them vulnerable to slippery conditions and strong crosswinds. Finnish authorities typically issue regular weather alerts, but sudden changes can still create dangerous situations.
International drivers visiting Finland should note the country's strict winter tire requirements. From December through February, studded tires or approved winter tires are mandatory. Many rental companies automatically provide appropriate vehicles, but visitors should confirm their vehicle meets safety standards.
Road maintenance crews work continuously during winter months, but rapid weather changes can outpace treatment efforts. Drivers should check conditions before traveling and allow extra time for journeys during adverse weather.