Norway’s transport minister has expressed worry about the increase in road fatalities in 2025. Data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration revealed that 111 people lost their lives on Norwegian roads that year, marking a rise of 24 deaths from the previous year. Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygard emphasized the need for improved road safety measures.
Accident analyses by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration identified high speeds, intoxication, inattention, and risky behavior as common factors in fatal crashes. While final figures for serious injuries are pending, it is estimated that the total number of deaths and serious injuries in road traffic in 2025 exceeds 600. The fatalities in 2025 included 94 men and 17 women, with pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders among the victims.
The summer months recorded the highest number of fatalities, with June and July seeing 18 and 16 deaths, respectively. Norway has been striving to achieve a “zero vision” since 2001, aiming for no fatalities or serious injuries on the roads. The National Transport Plan 2025-2036 sets a target of a maximum of 350 people killed or seriously injured in road traffic by 2030, with no more than 50 deaths.
In response to a surge in e-scooter accidents, the Norwegian government is planning new safety measures for e-scooter users. The Ministry of Transport highlighted a significant increase in injuries from e-scooter accidents in Oslo. Proposed measures include raising the minimum age limit for e-scooter riders and cracking down on the sale of illegal e-scooters capable of exceeding legal speed limits.
To enhance pedestrian safety, the government aims to facilitate municipal bans on e-scooter riding on sidewalks. Stricter enforcement of existing rules, targeting speeding, intoxication, and illegal e-scooter use, is also part of the plan. Minister Nygard emphasized the need for increased inspections and closer collaboration with the police to address road safety issues.
