Officials say some 40 percent of all road deaths and injuries occur in the summer.

Speeds up to 240 km/h have been reported by the National Traffic Police. Most accidents occur when the driver loses control of the vehicle.

“Speeding is usually to blame. Control of the vehicle is lost and it veers off the road or into oncoming traffic in the opposite lane,” says Jussi Pohjonen, Information Officer at the National Traffic Police.

Some of those involved in reckless driving are under the influence of alcohol or other substances. “It's not becoming more common but remains a daily event,” explains Pohjonen.  

Collisions with animals such as elk are also more usual during the summer. However, these rarely result in serious injuries to motorists.

“A mystical killer elk is more of an urban legend than a reality. The most serious injuries take place when vehicles skid off the road,” says Pohjonen.