Commuting Accidents in Finland – Slipping Especially at Zero Degrees

In 2024, a total of 24,080 commuting accidents occurred to wage earners, the high number was particularly due to slippery conditions in the spring. Approximately 21,000 accidents between home and work are estimated for 2025.

Modes of transport and accidents

A significant proportion of commuting accidents are pedestrian accidents. In 2024, 60 % of commuting accidents occurred while walking, 23 % while cycling and 12 % while driving. 94 % of pedestrian accidents are falls or slips, and 70 % of the injured are women.

Some pedestrian accidents occur to drivers, for example, in parking lots. Wearing weather-appropriate footwear and being prepared for slippery surfaces are important for all commuters.

In addition to commuting, falls occur a lot during working hours, especially at work where there is a lot of movement between indoor and outdoor areas.

Many pedestrian accidents occur around zero degrees Celsius

Most commuting accidents occur in Finland when the temperature is around zero degrees Celsius and melting or freezing causes slipperiness.

As much as 57% of commuting accidents occur when the average temperature is between -5 °C and +5 °C

During winter months, pedestrian accidents are highlighted, while in summer and autumn, cycling. The number of accidents is highest at the beginning of the week, and their number decreases towards the end of the week.

Figure 1: Wage earners’ commuting accidents in 2024 according to the daily average temperature of the largest town on the date of occurrence.

Share of severe commuting accidents has decreased

The share of severe commuting accidents resulting in more than 30 days incapacity for work has decreased in the long term, although the annual variation is large. In 2023, the share of severe commuting accidents was around 10 %, while in 2005 the share was almost 14 %. The proportion of severe commuting accidents varies by type of accident, mode of transport and age of the injured person. An accident that has happened to older people more often leads to a longer recovery.

Differences in mode of transport choices by age group

The age group distribution of those injured in commuting accidents varies according to the mode of transport. Among younger people, moped and motorcycle accidents are more prevalent. The highest number of cycling injuries occurs among people aged 35 to 59, while pedestrian accidents are most common among individuals over 55. Commuting accidents occur to people under the age of 20, especially during the summer months. Shares of long-term disability due to commuting accidents increase among older workers

Prevention of commuting accidents

Commuting accidents make up a significant proportion of all occupational accidents in Finland, and attention must be paid to their prevention. The number of accidents at work has decreased in the long term, but a similar development has not been seen in commuting accidents.

Due to climate change, the winter season in Finland is likely to shorten and the temperature will be more around zero in the winter months in the future, which increases the risk of slipping.

Commuters can make many choices that improve their safety, such as planning routes and schedules in advance, using equipment suitable for the weather, maintaining vehicles in good condition, and using reflectors and lights. But the prevention of commuting accidents cannot be left to the sole commuter. We need action by the individual, the workplace and society. Workplaces should consider together how to improve the safety of mobility. Fortunately, there is plenty of researched information, practical tips and proven models available! ●