According to information provided on Thursday by the authorities of the National Civil Protection Commission, the Christmas and end-of-year celebrations left over 90 people dead due to traffic accidents and drownings.
Luis Amaya, director of Civil Protection, reported that four people drowned and an additional 90 lost their lives in traffic accidents during the Christmas and New Year season.
Of the four drowned people, two were minors, and the others were adults. However, authorities reported that drowning fatalities had decreased by 60% from last year; 11 drowning cases occurred in 2023.
Throughout the December celebrations, 1,207 traffic accidents were reported, leaving 743 injured and 90 fatalities. Traffic fatalities in 2024 were 7% lower than those reported the previous year.
Traffic accidents were attributed to distracted driving, lane invasions, ignoring traffic signs, following too closely, inexperience, pedestrian recklessness, mechanical failures, and other factors.
SEE ALSO: Driving in El Salvador: A Guide to Navigating El Salvador’s Roads
Intoxicated Drivers
Civil Protection Director Amaya reported that, as part of the End of Year Plan by the National Civil Protection System, 152 individuals were arrested for dangerous driving.
Dangerous driving arrests in 2024 were 25% lower than in 2023, with 152 people detained for dangerous driving compared to 204 in the previous year.
The arrests were made under Penal Code reforms that removed the alcohol level limit. Since the reform, drivers can be arrested for any level of intoxication.
Arrested drivers are also fined $150, lose their license for 12 months, and must attend driver’s rehabilitation courses.
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