Supreme Court convicts truck driver of negligent homicide in fatal Oslo cycling accident

An online journalist has reported on the tragic accident that occurred in Oslo on April 21, 2022, when a 59-year-old woman riding an electric bicycle was fatally struck by a trailer. The incident happened during the afternoon rush hour at an intersection, where the woman entered the driver’s blind spot while cycling alongside the vehicle.

The trailer, measuring 17 meters and weighing approximately 35 tons, turned right and hit the woman. The Supreme Court recently ruled against the truck driver, finding him guilty of negligent homicide. The court stated that the situation required heightened caution, especially since the trailer was obligated to yield to the cyclist.

The driver’s attorney expressed that his client is deeply affected by the incident and acknowledges the court’s ruling. Although the Supreme Court noted that the driver’s negligence was at the lower end of the spectrum, it nonetheless crossed the threshold for criminality. The lawyer emphasized the importance of the ruling in tightening the responsibilities of professional drivers in traffic.

Initially, in the district court, the driver was only found guilty of traffic negligence, with the court considering factors such as the complexity of the traffic situation during rush hour and the brief timeframe of four to five seconds the driver had to notice the cyclist. He received a sentence of 36 days of conditional imprisonment, which was appealed by the prosecutor.

Upon appeal, the Borgarting Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the prosecution, leading to a conviction for negligent homicide. The court concluded that the few critical seconds could not be deemed a brief lapse in attention. Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the appeal, confirming the sentence of 60 days of unconditional imprisonment and a three-year loss of the driver’s license.