SAN SALVADOR — More than 10,300 traffic accidents were recorded in El Salvador during the first six months of 2025, resulting in 597 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 June 30, authorities documented 10,319 road accidents, marking an 8.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 9,475 incidents were reported. The average number of accidents per day this year is 57.0.
Traffic accident injuries have also increased this year. So far, officials have reported 6,387 people injured in traffic incidents, a rise of 14.7% from the 5,569 injuries recorded during the same period last year.
Although traffic accidents have increased, traffic fatalities showed a notable decline, dropping 11.4% from 674 deaths in the same 2024 period to 597 this year.
Pedestrians have been the most affected group, accounting for 244 deaths, or 40.9% of total fatalities, according to the Observatory.
Motorcyclists were the second most affected, with 230 deaths, representing 38.5% of the total. The remaining fatalities involved vehicle passengers, including 17 cyclists.
SEE ALSO: Driving in El Salvador: A Guide to Navigating El Salvador’s Roads
So far this year, driver distractions have caused 203 fatalities, speeding has resulted in 128 deaths, and lane invasions have led to 81 traffic-related fatalities.
On average, 3.3 people die daily in traffic accidents in El Salvador, equating to one fatality every 7.3 hours, according to the report.
Driver distraction has been the top cause of traffic accidents, leading to 2,589 crashes, 1,455 injuries, and 203 deaths.
Lane invasions ranked second, causing 2,207 accidents, 1,502 injuries, and 81 fatalities.
Traffic Accidents by Department
San Salvador has reported the most traffic accidents in 2025, with 3,475 incidents causing 2,543 injuries and 135 deaths—a 26.4% increase from the same period last year.
La Libertad ranks second with 1,597 accidents, 768 injuries, and 75 deaths, marking a 7.4% decrease from the same six-month period in 2024.
San Miguel is third with 1,332 accidents, 518 injuries, and 49 deaths—a 16.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
SEE ALSO: Transportation in El Salvador: Exploring El Salvador’s Transportation Options
Salvadoran authorities report that 1,039 people have been arrested for dangerous driving so far in 2025, reflecting an 11.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,176 arrests were made.
