This study offers a snapshot of Tehran during a transformative period, shedding light on the behaviors and systemic issues that contributed to the high rate of accidents. It also serves as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by a rapidly modernizing city.
The Context of the Study
The 1970s were a period of significant change in Iran. Under the rule of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the country was experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, fueled in large part by revenue from oil exports. Tehran, as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural hub, was at the forefront of this transformation. The city saw a sharp increase in car ownership as automobiles became more accessible to the middle class, leading to congested streets and overburdened infrastructure.
However, the sudden influx of vehicles also brought with it a surge in traffic-related incidents. Traffic management and road safety systems, which had not been developed to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, struggled to keep up. This situation necessitated a thorough investigation into the causes of accidents and the development of strategies to reduce their occurrence.