RMTO Chairman: Targeting a 30% Reduction in Traffic Fatalities

According to H.E. Reza Akbari, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and RMTO Chairman, these goals outlined during the Ministry’s Nowruz Travel Headquarters meeting, where Dr. Akbari highlighted that, factoring in the overlap of Nowruz holidays with Ramadan, the Nights of Qadr, and Eid al-Fitr, inter-provincial travel is expected to rise by 1.5% compared to the last Iranian year.

 

Dr. Akbari also identified peak travel periods as March 7-10, 2025 (corresponding to 17-20 Esfand, 1403 Iranian Calendar), and April 1-3, 2025 (corresponding to 10-12 Farvardin 1404 Iranian Calendar). He forecasted significant vehicle transport from Tehran to destination provinces during these times, with return waves expected from March 24-29, 2025 (corresponding to Farvardin 4-9 Iranian Calendar). Projections show over 1.15 million vehicles departing from Tehran and Alborz provinces during Nowruz, with Mazandaran and Guilan emerging as the top destinations.

 

Highlighting safety concerns, Dr. Akbari also referenced a 6% increase in road fatalities during Nowruz 1403 compared to the previous year. He noted that 60% of accidents involved vehicle collisions, rollovers, or falls. Among fatalities, 41% were passengers and 27% were drivers.

 

To address this, Akbari reaffirmed the RMTO's focus on the "No to Accidents" campaign. Key initiatives include:

• Installing safety banners on high-traffic intercity routes during Nowruz.

• Enhancing monitoring and control in black-spot areas.

• Implementing road markings, signage and billboards.

• Improving street lighting on critical routes.

 

H.E. Akbari also stressed the importance of comprehensive preparation, including readying terminals, public transportation fleets, and traffic control centers, as part of the Nowruz safety plans. He also underscored the influence of cultural and media campaigns in promoting road safety.

 

Additionally, Dr. Akbari called for stricter oversight of passenger transport at terminals and through monitoring systems, alongside enhanced supervision of technical managers at transportation companies. This multi-faceted approach aims to ensure a safer journey for all travelers during the holiday season.