Over 13,200 traffic accidents were recorded in El Salvador during the first seven months of 2026, resulting in 852 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 July 31, authorities documented 13,286 road accidents, marking an 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 12,221 incidents were reported. The average number of accidents per day this year is 62.7.
Traffic accident injuries have also increased this year. So far, officials have reported 9,186 people injured in traffic incidents, a rise of 23.4% from the 7,446 injuries recorded during the same period last year.
Traffic fatalities have also shown a notable increase, going up 24.4% from 685 deaths in the same 2025 period to 852this year.
Main Causes of Road Accidents in El Salvador
Driver distraction is the leading cause of El Salvador’s traffic accidents, with 3,504 accidents resulting in 2,099 injuries. A momentary lapse behind the wheel quickly turns highways into chaotic crash scenes.
Lane invasion follows, causing 2,755 accidents and 2,098 injuries. Sudden swerves, reckless passing, and blind-spot mistakes often result in severe collisions.
Failure to maintain a safe distance is another major cause of traffic accidents. It ranks as the third leading cause, contributing to 1,708 accidents and resulting in 727 injuries.
Traffic Accident Fatalities
Motorcyclists have been the hardest hit so far this year, with 385 deaths—45.2% of all traffic fatalities—according to the Observatory.
Pedestrians follow with 293 deaths, representing 34.4% of the total. Both groups are classified as vulnerable road users.
So far this year, distracted driving is the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for 277 deaths. Speeding ranks second with 205 deaths, followed by lane invasions, which have resulted in 122 traffic-related fatalities.
Overall, traffic accidents are claiming an average of 4.0 lives per day in El Salvador—roughly one death every 6 hours, the report states.
Traffic Accidents by Department
San Salvador has reported the most traffic accidents thus far in 2026, with 4,414 incidents causing 3,660 injuries and 181 deaths—a 9.1% accident increase from the same period last year.
La Libertad ranks second with 1,933 accidents, 943 injuries, and 115 deaths, marking a 2.9% increase from the same period in 2025.
Santa Ana is third with 1,553 accidents, 1,113 injuries, and 91 deaths—a 29.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Salvadoran authorities report that 1,372 people have been arrested for dangerous driving so far in 2026, reflecting an 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 1,221 arrests were made.
Traffic accidents are a major issue in El Salvador, often caused by reckless driving, poor road conditions, and overcrowded streets, leading to injuries, fatalities, and economic burdens nationwide. A public safety emergency.
