The alarming statistics of road accidents during Nowruz (Iran’s New Year celebrations) once again highlight the country’s severe transportation crisis under the Iranian regime. According to state media reports, between March 15 and March 22, over 22,000 accidents occurred, resulting in 277 deaths and more than 6,800 injuries.
The shocking figures expose the dangerous conditions of Iranian roads, where poor infrastructure, substandard vehicles, and state negligence combine to create a death trap for travelers. Iranian officials acknowledge the staggering toll but fail to address the root causes.
“The number of fatal crashes at accident scenes has reached 271, while the total fatalities, including those who died in hospitals, have tragically risen to 334,” said Alireza Raisi, spokesperson for the “No to Accidents” campaign on state television. He further revealed that over 8,335 people have been injured, many with severe wounds.
Watch and judge who is to blame for #Iran's alarming road accidents pic.twitter.com/ET06If2trw
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) December 20, 2023
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, where a Peugeot 405 collided with a Pride, killing all seven passengers. Similarly, in North Khorasan Province, a collision between two Pride vehicles resulted in four fatalities and left three women critically injured.
The disastrous state of Iran’s transportation infrastructure is a key factor in these accidents. Decades of mismanagement and corruption have left many roads unmaintained, with faded lane markings, potholes, and dangerous curves.
In addition, Iran’s domestic automobile industry, controlled by entities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), continues to produce low-quality, unsafe vehicles. Many Iranian-made cars fail international safety tests but remain the only option for citizens due to government-imposed restrictions on imports.
Witness the harrowing reality of #Iran's roads: Unsafe cars, high traffic accidents, and tragic consequences. Watch the #video to understand why these roads are among the world's deadliest. pic.twitter.com/NzkFw5gYpp
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 15, 2024
Despite years of rising fatalities, the regime has done little to improve road safety. The police blame drivers for not following traffic rules, but statistics show that the systemic issues are far more critical.
According to Mohammad-Bagher Salimi, deputy of the Traffic Police, the main causes of accidents are:
| Cause of Accident | Percentage Occurrence |
|---|---|
| Lack of attention to the road | 43% |
| Sudden lane changes | 15% |
| Veering into oncoming traffic | 10% |
| Loss of vehicle control | 14% |
| Failure to yield | 4% |
| Vehicle rollovers | 33% |
Instead of investing in safer roads, modern vehicles, and strict vehicle safety regulations, the regime prioritizes expanding its military projects and foreign interventions, leaving the Iranian people to suffer the consequences.
With every holiday season, the Iranian regime proves once again that the safety and well-being of its people are the last of its concerns.