Today, Wednesday, we can expect heavy Easter traffic. This is shown by an analysis of the traffic figures from toll stations in Norway on the same day last year.
Fremtind’s subsidiary, Fremtind Service, is Norway’s largest issuer of toll tags and sees how much traffic there is on the road from toll crossings.
They have now analyzed the traffic pattern on the Wednesday before Maundy Thursday, and come up with a clear recommendation.
– Our figures show that you should either drive early in the morning or wait until the clock has passed 14.00 before you head for Easter Mountain this Wednesday, says Svein Skovly, who is commercial director at Fremtind Service.
Steer clear of the morning
The morning traffic is calm, but picks up between 9.00 and 10.00 in most of the country, the traffic figures show.
– Then the traffic is at its busiest between 10.00 and 11.00, with the exception of Hallingporten and E18 Stillinga. There is the most traffic between 11.00 and 12.00. In any case, the morning is the busiest, so steer clear of this, advises Skovly.
After 14:00 the traffic calms down and there is little traffic after 16:00.
Increased risk of accidents
Many cars on the roads increase the risk of accidents and car damage.
– When many people travel at the same time, problems can quickly arise. It places even greater demands on us in traffic, says injury prevention specialist Therese Hofstad-Nielsen in Fremtind, the insurance company for SpareBank 1 and DNB.
The injury prevention agency has a clear call for everyone who is going out for a drive at Easter:
– Adjust your speed, keep a good distance to the car in front and make sure you have good winter tyres. Should something happen, you could risk damaging the car, yourself and others – but you could also get less on the insurance if you haven’t taken your precautions, says Hofstad-Nielsen.
Good tips for Easter driving
• Pack your luggage in the car correctly. Make sure that loose items are securely fastened and secured in the car.
• Take the time to check that the seat belts are in place before you drive.
• Observe the speed limits and drive according to the conditions.
• Finish typing before you drive, and leave your mobile phone behind when you drive.
• Take it neatly out of car parks, junctions and roundabouts, and when you have to “merge” in queues, in and out of public transport lanes or on the motorway.
