As the Nowruz holiday season commences, traffic concerns rise sharply across Iran, as evident from troubling statistics released by traffic authorities. In just 24 hours leading up to March 19, 2025, there were a staggering 2,690 traffic accidents reported, resulting in 21 fatalities and 625 injuries.
Ahmad Karmi Asad, the chief of the Rahour Faraja traffic police, indicated that these figures are part of a broader trend observed as the Nowruz traffic plan, which began on March 16, 2025, continues to unfold. The plan is set to run until April 4, 2025, and aims to facilitate smoother travel and increase safety during one of the busiest travel seasons in the Iranian calendar. "This year, we hope to see a decrease in accident rates through effective government collaboration and the launch of the 'Say No to Accidents' campaign," Asad remarked.
According to the latest reports, over 10 million travelers are expected to hit the roads this Nowruz season. This influx of travelers has contributed to an overall increase in traffic incidents. From March 16 to 19, there were 13,195 accidents, leading to 87 deaths and 3,075 injuries across the country.
Sardar Seyed Timur Hosseini, another traffic authority official, noted that during the same 24-hour period, 2,508 of the accidents occurred, with 28 casualties and 584 injuries. He emphasized that the leading causes of these accidents included distractions while driving, lack of vehicle control, and sudden lane changes, with distractions accounting for over 47% of incidents. Most accidents typically occur between the hours of 4 PM and 8 PM, correlating with busy travel periods.
Hossein also highlighted the substantial traffic congestion on Tehran's major arteries leading to northern cities, such as Chalous and Firoozkooh. As a precautionary measure, authorities have made the decision to restrict traffic on the Tehran-North and Karaj-Chalous highways to one direction to alleviate congestion. This direction change is enforced until the traffic eases, with various types of vehicles prohibited from descending towards Tehran until further notice.
As travelers prepare for their journeys, traffic police have urged everyone to comply with traffic regulations diligently and to exercise caution on the roads. Maintaining traffic discipline can help mitigate the number of accidents and ensure a safer travel experience for all. As the holiday season progresses, police authorities continue to monitor traffic conditions closely, aiming to implement preventive measures as needed.
Sardar Hosseini reiterated, "Given the current traffic conditions, we will ensure that preventive measures are continuously implemented, and we urge drivers to adhere to road safety guidelines to help prevent accidents." The priority remains clear: to safeguard travelers and minimize the number of tragic incidents during this festive yet perilous season.
Although some regions have experienced a spike in traffic, others, such as East Azerbaijan, Razavi Khorasan, and Ardabil, are noted for having significant concentrations of accidents. This pattern suggests that while certain areas are busier with tourist traffic, others may need immediate attention due to persistent safety risks.
In the coming days, as the traveler count is guaranteed to rise further, it is imperative that all road users remain vigilant and responsible, fostering a community-wide commitment to road safety. The sheer volume of vacations that occur during Nowruz illustrates both the joy of family reunions and the potential hazards posed on the road. This balance must be managed with care for a safe holiday for everyone.
In light of this, Tehran's provincial authorities have been proactive in tackling these issues, with ongoing assessments of traffic safety measures planned throughout the holiday period to ensure that safety remains a priority.
