Norwegian roads have claimed 99 lives so far this year. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration released these sobering statistics in their latest report.
October alone saw nine traffic deaths. This represents 21 more fatalities than during the same period last year.
Guro Ranes, traffic safety director, expressed concern about the trend. She said the development is moving in the wrong direction and affects everyone.
Seventeen people died in multi-fatality accidents this year. Six victims were only 18 years old, while two others were 20 and 21.
Vestland county recorded the highest number of traffic deaths with 16 fatalities. Most of these occurred during summer months according to road authorities.
Why are Norwegian roads becoming more dangerous despite safety improvements? The spike in young adult fatalities suggests driver experience and behavior play key roles. Road safety campaigns appear insufficient to counter this worrying trend.