Report 2014/05
Road traffic report 2014/05
On Sunday, 15 December 2013, at approximately 00:10 hours, a bus drove off the road on Rv 4 just north of the Rommen bus stop in Rommen, Oslo. The bus went off the road on the right side and rolled down a slope before coming to a stop below a pedestrian and bicycle path which runs in parallel with Rv 4. The Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) has conducted a technical investigation of the bus, inspected the accident site and interviewed all passengers to find an explanation for the accident. No final conclusion has been made as to why the bus drove off the road. The investigation revealed that no one wore the seat belts installed in the bus, and that this caused serious injuries, including two fatalities and one serious injury. During previous investigations, the AIBN has pointed to a connection between people wearing seat belts and the extent of injury, which was also the case in this accident. The AIBN issues two safety recommendations: One to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration about initiating a joint action to increase passengers seat belt usage in buses, and one to the transport section of the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO Transport), the Union of Norwegian Transport Employees (YTF) and the Norwegian Transport Workers' Union concerning implementation of measures to promote the use of seat belts among bus drivers.
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation ROAD no. 2014/05T
In the busaccident at Rommen in Oslo 15 December 2013 the driver did not wear the seat belt and was thrown from the bus and died from the injuries he sustained. Bus drivers’ use of seat belts is primarily important for the driver's own safety. However, the AIBN also finds that the example set by the driver may indirectly encourage more passengers to wear a seat belt. It is therefore extremely important that all bus drivers wear seat belts in all driving situations. AIBN is aware that there is still a potential for increasing the use of seat belts among bus drivers.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that the transport section of the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO Transport), the Union of Norwegian Transport Employees and the Norwegian Transport Workers' Union implement measures that will contribute to promoting the use of seat belts among bus drivers.
Safety recommendation ROAD no. 2014/06T
In the busaccident at Rommen in Oslo 15 December 2013 none of the passengers wore seat belts, and several of them were thrown from the bus when the accident occurred. This was in spite of the fact that seat belts were installed in the bus and that it is mandatory to use them. The investigation has revealed that the extent of injuries would have been reduced and that, most likely, this would not have been a fatal accident had the deceased worn seat belts. Based on this and previous investigations, as well as other information concerning the use of seat belts in bus transportation, the AIBN believes that measures and efforts are required that can help increase the use of seat belts on buses.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration initiate a joint effort with other key players in traffic safety work and implement measures which can contribute to increased use of seat belts among bus passengers.
Facts
| Location | Rv 4, Rommen, Oslo |
| Occurrence date | 15.12.2013 |
| Accident type | Run-off-the-road accident |
| Road class | National road |
| County | Oslo |
| Police Disctrict | Oslo |
| Vehicle type | Bus or coach |
| Type of Transportation | Passenger transport |
| Road region | Eastern Region |
| Accident category | Accident with bus |