Road casualties more than mere statistics
Fatal accidents are more than just statistics, they are devastating events that leave families and communities shattered. The loss of life is immeasurable, and the pain and suffering of those left behind are often long-lasting. Fatal accidents can also have a ripple effect on society, causing economic losses and creating a burden on healthcare systems. It is important to recognize that each accident has its own unique circumstances and should not be reduced to a mere statistic.
The number of road accidents in Iran is alarmingly high and has become a major concern for the country. According to recent statistics, Iran has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world, with an estimated 17,000 fatalities each year.
The number of road accidents in Iran during the Nowruz holidays is a major cause for concern. The holiday season sees a significant increase in traffic as people travel to visit their families and friends. Unfortunately, this also leads to a higher number of accidents on the roads. According to recent reports, the number of road accidents during the 13-day holiday period in 2021 was 11,000, resulting in over 500 deaths.
During the past Nowruz, 821 people have lost their lives to road accidents all over Iran.
The major causes of these accidents range from speeding and reckless driving to poor road conditions and inadequate safety measures.
Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan, Fars, and northern provinces have the highest number of road accidents and fatalities in Iran. Commander Momeni, head of Iran’s road police, reported that these areas had a red status for accidents last year and this year. Sistan and Baluchestan has the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with no freeways or safe roads. The road from Zahedan to Khash is the most accident-prone road in the province. The Chabahar-Milk corridor is important for the transit of goods, but its construction is progressing extremely slowly.
Sistan and Baluchestan is a province in Iran that faces severe deprivation, even evident in road infrastructure as it is the only province without a highway. Despite being a popular destination for Nowruz travelers, it has one of the highest rates of road accidents and fatalities in the country.
Khorasan Razavi also ranks high in this regard, with representatives attributing the slow progress of road construction projects as a significant factor. The Mashhad-Sarakhs project, for instance, has been under construction for more than three decades and still not completed.
During Nowruz, a mountain fell and blocked Chalus road, resulting in the death of three people. The Ministry of Roads was criticized for its dismal level of preparation for the holiday. Mohammad Ali Mohseni Bandpey, representative of Chalus and Nowshahr, criticized the ministry for failing to fulfill its duties and ignoring warnings about the poor condition of the road.
He believes that Iran is moving away from scientific methods to solve problems, which leads to incidents like this. Car and road quality play an important role in road accidents in Iran, with more than 5,000 accident-prone spots in the country. Seyyed Kamal Hadianfar, head of Iran’s traffic police, says that 82 percent of accidents are caused by illegal speed and lack of attention, fatigue, and sleepiness.
In conclusion, the significant increase in traffic during the Nowruz holidays in Iran leads to a high number of road accidents and resulting deaths, which is a major cause for concern. However, efforts are being made to improve the situation by taking a multi-faceted approach that involves education, enforcement of traffic laws, and investment in infrastructure and technology.
By understanding the causes and consequences of fatal accidents, we can take steps to prevent them and create safer communities for everyone. It is imperative that the authorities continue to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of all road users during the holiday season and beyond.