TEHRAN, Aug.31 (Mehr News Agency) -- Iran's rate of road accident fatalities has decreased by 10.67% over the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (Started March 20, 2008).

Underlying the fact that traffic accidents is the second main cause of death in Iran, deputy of the center for management of accident and emergency said, "This year in comparison to the same period last year, there was 10.67% decrease in death toll from road accidents."

Scene of a tragic bus accident (file photo)


"In 1384 (2005-2006), a total of 27,746 people were killed in road accidents whereas 22,918 were killed in car crashes in 1386 (2007-2008)," Jafar Miad-Far said, adding, "Compared to 1384, accident fatality rate decreased by 16.9% in 1386."

Enormous improvements in road safety, close cooperation between police, Red Crescent Society, and the forensic emergency medical services are among some of the reasons behind decrease in traffic jams over the last year.

According to Miad-Far, there was 200 percent increase in number of centers for emergency medical services in 1386 compared to 1384.

"The number has reached to 1548 in 1386 from 683 in the year 1384," Miad-Far added.

... Payvand News - 08/31/08 ... --