The days around Midsummer Eve are some of the year's most congested. To avoid accidents and queues, it's essential to be well-rested – and not to stress.
There are certain times when traffic is at its worst, says the Swedish Transport Administration's press chief Bengt Olsson.
In the run-up to the celebrations, it can be stressful, and after a few snaps and pickled herring, fatigue can become pronounced. It's one of the country's biggest traffic weekends, with between 2.5 and 3 million vehicles taking to the roads at Midsummer.
The main reason for accidents during the Midsummer weekend is that people are stressed and make poor decisions, says Bengt Olsson.
Long queues are possible
On Thursday between lunchtime and 6 pm, and on Midsummer Eve between 9 am and 2 pm, there are the most people on the roads. It can also be hectic on Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm when many are heading home from the celebrations.
There can be queues everywhere, it depends entirely on what happens. If there's an accident, it can lead to queues very quickly, even on the major roads.
The roads that are particularly congested are the E6 between Strömstad and Malmö, the E22 between Norrköping and Kalmar, as well as the roads around Siljan and Mälaren. The roads leading to ferry terminals to reach the Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Bohuslän archipelagos are also highly congested.
The E4 is the pulse of Sweden. There will be a lot of traffic all the way to Luleå, says Bengt Olsson.
All diversion routes, following the landslide on the E6 in Stenungsund, will have a lot of traffic.
"Take a little extra rest"
It's safest to drive on the country's major, dual-carriageway roads, as well as on roads with speed cameras, as drivers are more likely to adhere to speed limits, according to Bengt Olsson.
It's essential to take it a bit easier and let the journey be part of the Midsummer celebrations. It's a collaboration on the roads, and everyone needs to help.
He also wants to highlight the importance of getting a little extra rest before getting behind the wheel and driving home from the celebrations towards the end of the weekend.
It's not just the car that needs to be filled with energy, says Bengt Olsson.
The police promise checks
On Midsummer Day, many people get behind the wheel under the influence. The police say they will, like every other year, carry out checks on Midsummer Day.
People seem to forget, but the rules are simple. Drive sober, follow the speed limit, don't look at your mobile, and keep a safe distance, says the police's press spokesperson Mattias Rutegård.
