Over 16,750 traffic accidents were recorded in El Salvador during the first nine months of 2026, resulting in 1,078 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 September 30, authorities documented 16,755 road accidents, marking an 4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 16,103 incidents were reported. The average number of accidents per day this year is 61.4.
Traffic accident injuries have also increased this year. So far, officials have reported 11,865 people injured in traffic incidents, a rise of 22.8% from the 9,662 injuries recorded during the same period last year.
Traffic fatalities have also shown a notable increase, going up 21.8% from 885 deaths in the same 2025 period to 1,078 this year.
Main Causes of Road Accidents in El Salvador
Driver distraction is the leading cause of El Salvador’s traffic accidents, with 4,462 accidents resulting in 2,686 injuries. A momentary lapse behind the wheel quickly turns highways into chaotic crash scenes.
Lane invasion follows, causing 3,524 accidents and 2,713 injuries. Sudden swerves, reckless passing, and blind-spot mistakes often result in severe collisions.
Failure to respect priority signs is another major cause of traffic accidents. It ranks as the third leading cause, contributing to 2,137 accidents and resulting in 1,671 injuries.
Traffic Accident Fatalities
Motorcyclists have been the hardest hit so far this year, with 483 deaths—44.8% of all traffic fatalities—according to the Observatory.
Pedestrians follow with 380 deaths, representing 35.3% of the total. Both groups are classified as vulnerable road users.
Overall, traffic accidents are claiming an average of 3.9 lives per day in El Salvador—roughly one death every 6.1 hours, the report states.
Traffic Accidents by Department
San Salvador has reported the most traffic accidents thus far in 2026, with 5,602 incidents causing 4,730 injuries and 229 deaths—a 2.5% accident increase from the same period last year.
La Libertad ranks second with 2,502 accidents, 1,273 injuries, and 149 deaths, marking a 2.5% increase from the same period in 2025.
Santa Ana is third with 1,969 accidents, 1,421 injuries, and 113 deaths—a 26.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Salvadoran authorities report that 1,818 people have been arrested for dangerous driving so far in 2026, reflecting an 13.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
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.
