Analysis of pedestrian accidents in Iran

It is clear that road accidents have a significant impact on the social and financial health of a country. Prior research has shown there are many affecting parameters on road accidents, but little focus on which are the most important when pedestrians are involved. Pedestrian accidents, including both fatalities and injuries, have accounted for a major proportion of driving accidents in recent years. In Iran, more than 30 percent of accidents are pedestrian related, and in addition, 23 percent of road fatalities are involving pedestrians. In this research study, an attempt has been made to analyze the available pedestrian accident data and identify the major factors affecting those accidents. Based on the preliminary investigations, it has been found that several parameters, such as driver sobriety, color of the pedestrian clothes, geometric characteristics, vehicle speeds, hours of driving, vehicle dimensions, and the level of the drivers’ education, are the most important affecting factors in pedestrian accidents. Based on this data and findings, some recommendations have been presented in this paper in order to improve the safety of pedestrians and reduce the incidence of pedestrian accidents. It is hoped this data will be used to inform road safety and improve and reduce fatalities and injuries in pedestrians in Iran.