Background Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the second leading cause of mortality and the first cause of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Iran. This study investigated the status of RTIs in Iran.

Methods All traffic accident data for the one-year period from March 2011 to March 2012 recorded in the national traffic accident database was investigated. The information included demographic data specific to road traffic accidents (RTAs) and injuries. The data was summarised and presented using the distributions of all components.

Results There were a total of 452192 RTAs with 252246 victims in the one-year period. The highest percentage (47%) of these was in the 15–30 year age group. Men constituted 78.4% of those involved in RTAs. Most RTAs (73.2%) took place between 6 am and 6 pm. The province of Semnan had the highest annual incidence rate of RTIs and Alborz had the lowest. The majority of RTAs (66.7%) occurred within the city roads. Although the levels of non-fatal injury were similar within the city roads and outer them, mortality was 3.1 times higher outer the city roads.

Conclusions This study confirms that the number of RTIs places a heavy burden on the Iranian population, especially on young men. Comprehensive strategies and policies must be implemented for effective prevention of road accidents in Iran.