Trucker Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Collision That Claimed Life of Anita Øvrebø Pettersen
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A professional truck driver is standing trial in Trøndelag District Court,accused of negligence leading to the death of 52-year-old Anita Øvrebø Pettersen. the incident occurred on march 21st of last year when the semi-trailer he was operating crossed into the oncoming lane and collided with a passenger vehicle north of the Vika tunnel near Namsos, resulting in Ms. Pettersen’s death at the scene.
Driver Maintains Innocence, cites Road Conditions
The driver, a man in his 40s, pleaded not guilty when the trial commenced on Thursday. The prosecution, led by Marthe Aastad Brøndbo, alleges the driver failed to adjust his speed to the prevailing road conditions and the condition of the vehicle’s tires. Evidence presented on Thursday indicated the trailer was traveling at a minimum of 70 km/h immediatly before the collision, with an automatic emergency brake and anti-skid system activating just 40 meters prior to impact. This information was relayed to the court by Trond Dahl of the National Road Governance’s accident team.
“A Big Shock”: Driver Describes Aftermath
When questioned by his defense attorney, Christian Arnkværn, the driver described the period following the accident as profoundly arduous. “It has been hard. Many different thoughts have come up, but until now I have managed to continue in the same job,” he stated. “When I learned from the police that the other person in the accident had lost his life, it was a big shock for me too.”
The driver recounted attempting to assess road conditions before the accident, stating, “I tried to test the road conditions to see how smooth it was with the brakes, and I saw that it was smooth.” He maintains he was traveling between 60 and 63 kilometers per hour and applied his brakes before a curve, at which point he observed the oncoming vehicle.
Examination Points to Lane Intrusion and Tire Condition
Investigations by the Norwegian Road Administration revealed the semi-trailer crossed 1.25 meters into the opposing lane on the county road. The Swedish Road Administration’s analysis of the crash site identified traces and residues in the asphalt. Though, the driver disputes these findings, asserting the vehicles collided closer to the center line.
A key point of contention centers on the condition of the truck’s tires. While legally compliant with a tread depth of 5 mm, Dahl explained, “The problem here is that the tires are within the requirements, but they are no longer very suitable for snow and ice.” The driver countered, stating, “To me, it seems that they were completely normal drivable tyres. as I am testing, it seems to me that it is fine to drive.”
Witnesses Describe Slippery Conditions
Several witnesses testified on Thursday. One lorry driver, traveling ahead of the defendant, noted the truck was gaining on him. “He caught up with me. I kept a very calm pace towards where it happened. It was just as smooth all the way,” he told the court. Another witness, who had been overtaken by both vehicles, described the conditions as “really unusually smooth,” adding, “Had I known how slippery it was, I would have driven even slower.” Video footage from a dashboard camera of one of the first responders at the scene showed the passenger car overturned.
Trial to continue
The trial is scheduled to continue for two days. Anita Øvrebø Pettersen, a resident of Namsos originally from Skilbrei in Gaular, is survived by four children.Lise Ligaard is representing the family and her spouse as their solicitor.
