Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Traffic Accidents in Iran: Analysis of Determinants

The social and cultural dimensions of traffic accidents in Iran are investigated in this article. Iran ranks first among all countries in terms of traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries. The daily mortality and morbidity statistics in this regard are much higher than internationally acceptable standards. Most of prior studies in this regard have employed an epidemiological and medical approach while neglecting the social and cultural aspects of the issue. Through reviewing some of the major sociological and cultural theories and substantive approaches regarding this issue, this paper analyzes 2005 traffic accidents and causes specifically on mortality and morbidity statistics of Iran and highlighted the social and cultural factors contributing to this problem.