Report 2015/01
Road traffic report 2015/01
On Monday10 February 2014 a heavy goods vehicle started to skid on Rv 7 near Veme. The heavy goods vehicle ended up in the opposite lane and partly outside the roadway. An approaching bus in the opposite lane was unable to stop. The bus collided with the heavy goods vehicle, hitting both the side of the tractor and the front of the semi-trailer. Two other heavy goods vehicles were approaching the site of the incident and both of them found it difficult to stop in time. Three of the passengers on the bus died and several were injured. The drivers of the heavy goods vehicles did not sustain any physical injuries in the accident. The investigation showed that road surface friction was particularly low and deviating at the accident site compared to adjacent sections of road. In the AIBN's opinion, road conditions with a combination of low friction, sudden changes in friction, local differences and dark asphalt are challenging in relation to road safety.The investigation has also shown the importance of taking preventive measures in such conditions. Following the investigation the AIBN proposes one safety recommendation to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, and contractors that maintains roads during winter.
Safety recommendation
Safety recommendation ROAD 2015/01T
The investigation of the collision with oncoming traffic on the Rv 7 road near Veme on 10 February 2014 showed that none of the drivers involved had discovered early enough that the road friction was particularly low and deviated from the adjoining stretches. In the AIBN's opinion, road conditions with a combination of low friction, sudden changes in friction, local differences and dark asphalt ('black ice') are a major challenge to road safety. This is confirmed by the present accident, and the challenge is great for the road owner, contractor and road users alike. The AIBN has also found evidence of similar problems in previous investigations.
The Accident Investigation Board Norway recommends that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, in collaboration with the contractor that maintains the road during winter, intensify its work to monitor and follow up stretches of road/areas of road that require extra winter maintenance under special weather conditions.
Facts
| Location | Rv 7 near Veme in Buskerud |
| Occurrence date | 10.02.2014 |
| Accident type | Head-on collision |
| Road class | National road |
| County | Buskerud |
| Police Disctrict | Nordre Buskerud |
| Vehicle type | Bus or coach, Truck and trailer |
| Type of Transportation | Freight transport, Passenger transport |
| Road region | Southern Region |
| Accident category | Ulykke m/ kjøretøy over 7500 kg |