Analysis of Factors Contributing to Interurban Road Accidents: A Case Study of Tehran-Rasht Route

Introduction: Road traffic accidents have emerged as a pervasive global challenge, affecting not only public health and safety but also imposing significant economic, social, and environmental burdens on nations across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies road traffic accidents as one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths, with over 1.35 million fatalities annually attributed to traffic-related incidents. Countries characterized by suboptimal infrastructure, weak regulatory frameworks, and ineffective oversight are particularly vulnerable to this public safety crisis. While substantial research has been conducted in the realm of road safety, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the comprehensive and integrative analysis of the complex interplay between the human, technical, environmental, and governance-related factors that contribute to road traffic accidents. The Tehran-Rasht corridor represents one of Iran's most vital and heavily trafficked roadways, serving as the primary link between the capital and the northern provinces. This route faces numerous challenges, including its unique geographical and climatic conditions, high traffic volumes, and the diversity of vehicles utilizing it. Additionally, human factors such as driver behavior, insufficient driver education, and inadequate traffic infrastructure—including signage and road conditions—are pivotal contributors to the incidence of accidents. This study employs a data-driven approach, utilizing advanced statistical analyses to rigorously identify the key factors underpinning accidents along this corridor. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods, this research aims to explore the nuanced interactions among these factors and propose actionable solutions to mitigate accidents and enhance overall road safety.
Methodology: This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research strategies to capture a holistic understanding of the issue. In the quantitative phase, data were gathered from a sample of 250 drivers of both light and heavy vehicles, along with 150 traffic police officers operating along the Tehran-Rasht corridor. A standardized questionnaire and a five-point Likert scale were utilized to ensure consistency, reliability, and comparability of the data. The questionnaires focused on drivers' familiarity with traffic laws, driving history, and personal experiences with road accidents.In the qualitative phase, a purposeful sampling method was used to select 17 key managers and experts from the Road Maintenance and Transport Organization, as well as 5 university professors in the field of sociology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing road accidents and to collect expert recommendations for addressing these issues. This methodological approach not only enables statistical analysis but also considers the human, social, and cultural dimensions of the problem.
Results: The quantitative analysis indicates that demographic variables such as gender, age, and marital status do not exhibit a statistically significant correlation with drivers' awareness of traffic laws. However, factors such as educational level and driving experience demonstrate a strong positive association with drivers’ understanding of traffic regulations. These findings underscore the critical role of education and experience in enhancing drivers' knowledge and compliance with traffic laws. Furthermore, the results highlight the significant impact of social, cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors on driver behavior. Specifically, the study found that societal attitudes toward traffic laws, the prevailing driving culture, and the state of road infrastructure—including the condition of roads, traffic signage, and weather-related factors—directly influence drivers' adherence to traffic regulations. Among the variables considered, physical infrastructure and governance-related factors, such as police presence and enforcement practices, were found to have the most substantial effect on drivers' compliance with traffic laws.
Discussion: The findings underscore the continued relevance of social and cultural factors in shaping road safety outcomes. Specifically, the role of governance policies, including continuous monitoring, police visibility, and stringent enforcement of traffic regulations, is paramount. Additionally, sustained driver education and public awareness campaigns are essential components in reducing the frequency of traffic accidents. In high-traffic corridors like Tehran-Rasht, where specific geographical challenges exist, the consistent presence of law enforcement and the rigorous application of regulatory measures are pivotal in preventing accidents. One notable aspect of this study is the potential for mass media to play a pivotal role in educating the public and fostering a culture of safe driving. Media platforms, including television programs, advertisements, and public service campaigns, are invaluable tools for raising public awareness and influencing driver behavior. In particular, the use of digital media and social networks has proven effective in reaching younger drivers and new vehicle owners, offering an opportunity for tailored interventions to improve road safety.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy to reduce road accidents and improve overall transportation safety. This strategy should encompass strengthening police oversight, leveraging media resources, enhancing road infrastructure, and improving public awareness regarding the importance of adhering to traffic laws. Moreover, prioritizing improvements in traffic signage and road conditions is essential for further reducing accident rates.Future research could focus on exploring advanced models of road accident management and the complex interrelationships between various contributing factors. Additionally, incorporating international best practices and the experiences of other countries could inform the development of optimized strategies for accident reduction at the national level. Ultimately, this study provides a valuable foundation for policy development in the areas of transportation and road safety governance.