Dr.Khanke Explains at the "No to Accidents" Scientific Conference:
750,000 Accident Victims Annually — From a Public Health Crisis to a Threat to the Young Population

Dr. Hamidreza Khanke, Head of the Health in Disaster and Emergencies Research Center at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, criticized the country's current state of transportation infrastructure. He described the automotive industry as a “major corruption” and rural roads as the “deadliest traffic routes.” Highlighting the alarming rise in accidents, he pointed to the lack of public awareness regarding the risks, weak infrastructure, and neglect of pedestrian safety, especially for women, as key factors exacerbating the issue.

According to the university's news reporter, during the "No to Accidents" scientific conference, Dr. Khanke emphasized the importance of this campaign and discussed the challenges and issues stemming from road traffic accidents.

He noted that since the campaign's launch earlier this year, its primary goal has been to raise awareness and sensitize the public about road accidents and their associated problems. He further stressed that, alongside raising awareness, perception of risk is critically important. Unfortunately, a portion of society lacks a proper understanding of the dangers of accidents and often drives recklessly without regard for the potential consequences.

Annual Road Traffic Accidents Result in 750,000 Injuries: From a Public Health Crisis to a Threat to the Country’s Youth

Dr. Hamidreza Khanke, head of the Health in Disaster and Emergencies Research Center at the USWR, highlighted the severity of traffic accidents in the country. He stated, “Annually, around 750,000 people seek medical treatment due to traffic-related injuries, with 400,000 requiring hospitalization and 10% suffering from various disabilities.”

Dr. Khanke also pointed to the current situation of road safety in Iran. He explained, “68% of those killed in traffic accidents are under the age of 45. Such incidents are reducing the young, productive population, contradicting policies aimed at increasing youth demographics.”

He further addressed the widespread use of motorcycles in the country, noting, “Fifty percent of fatalities from traffic accidents involve motorcyclists and pedestrians.”

The Health in Disaster and Emergencies expert also reflected on the experience of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarked, “In European countries, remote working continued post-pandemic, which helped reduce traffic. However, in Iran, traffic has increased after COVID-19, and we have not been able to capitalize on this opportunity.”

Deadly Rural Roads

Dr. Khanke emphasized the dangerous state of rural roads, stating, “Rural roads are some of the most hazardous routes, and we must pay special attention to them.” He added, “While the number of registered vehicles in the country is rising, infrastructure development has not kept pace. We face significant challenges in the automotive sector that require urgent solutions.”

Women’s Safety on Sidewalks: Motorcycles Invading Pedestrian Areas

Addressing pedestrian safety, he highlighted that “Women are increasingly unsafe on sidewalks, which are being encroached upon by motorcyclists,” emphasizing the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety regulations.

During the conference, Dr. Khanke also highlighted the safety concerns of pedestrians, especially women. He stated, “According to a recent study, pedestrians—particularly women—do not feel safe on sidewalks. Many sidewalks are occupied by shopkeepers and street vendors, and even motorcyclists use them for riding.”

Furthermore, Dr. Khanke emphasized the urgent need to expand and diversify public transportation systems nationwide. He added, “Currently, cities are built primarily for cars. We must consider creating more pedestrian pathways and public spaces to ensure safety and accessibility for pedestrians.”

In conclusion, he proposed implementing social penalties for high-risk drivers. He remarked, “Researchers at the University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health are ready to develop a protocol for social sanctions targeting dangerous drivers to improve road safety.”

This scientific conference was organized with the participation of the Innovation and Research Department of the Ministry of Health, the Traffic Injury Research and Technology Network, the Student Research and Technology Committee, and the Scientific Society for Disaster and Emergency Health.