SAN SALVADOR — More than 6,600 traffic accidents were recorded in El Salvador during the first four months of 2025, resulting in 386 deaths, according to data from the National Road Safety Observatory, which manages the Fund for Assistance to Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT).
From January 1 to April 30, authorities documented 6,630 road accidents, marking a slight 3.0% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 6,439 incidents were reported. The daily average accident rate this year is 55.3.
Traffic accident injuries have also increased this year. So far, officials have reported 4,128 people injured in traffic incidents, a rise of 7.9% from the 3,824 injuries recorded during the same period last year.
Although traffic accidents have increased, traffic fatalities showed a notable decline, dropping 12.1% from 439 deaths in the same 2024 period to 386 this year.
Pedestrians were the most affected group, accounting for 154 deaths, or 39.9% of total fatalities, according to the Observatory.
Motorcyclists were the second most affected, with 144 deaths, representing 37.3% of the total. The remaining fatalities involved vehicle passengers, including 10 cyclists.
SEE ALSO: Driving in El Salvador: A Guide to Navigating El Salvador’s Roads
On average, 3.2 people die daily in traffic accidents in El Salvador, equating to one fatality every 7.5 hours, according to the report.
Driver distraction was the top cause of traffic accidents, leading to 1,653 crashes, 945 injuries, and 126 deaths.
Lane invasions ranked second, causing 1,440 accidents, 971 injuries, and 49 fatalities.
Following too closely was the third leading cause, resulting in 927 accidents, 308 injuries, and seven deaths.
Traffic Accidents by Department
San Salvador has reported the most traffic accidents in 2025, with 2,214 incidents causing 1,628 injuries and 93 deaths—a 21.8% increase from the same period last year.
La Libertad ranks second with 1,041 accidents, 505 injuries, and 46 deaths, marking a 14.3% decrease from the same four-month period in 2024.
San Miguel is third with 811 accidents, 563 injuries, and 33 deaths—a 5.1% increase compared to the same period last year.
SEE ALSO: Transportation in El Salvador: Exploring El Salvador’s Transportation Options
Salvadoran authorities report that 598 people have been arrested for dangerous driving so far in 2025, reflecting an 29.0% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 842 arrests were made.
