According to the National Road Safety Observatory (ONASEVI), Traffic Accidents in El Salvador experienced a 10% rise in road accidents in 2024, with 20,301 incidents recorded, up from 18,463 in 2023.
Furthermore, both injuries and fatalities saw an increase in 2024. The number of injured individuals rose by 9% to 11,954, while fatalities grew by 4%, reaching 1,303 compared to 1,256 in 2023.
Main Causes of Accidents
Driver distraction was the leading cause of road accidents in 2024, accounting for 25% of cases, nearly doubling from 11% in 2023. Lane invasion followed at 22%, a sharp increase from 9% the previous year.
Other significant traffic accident factors included speeding (14%), disregarding traffic signs (13%), and failing to maintain a safe distance (7%).
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Motorcyclists Most Affected
Motorcyclists were the most impacted group, involved in over half of all accidents. The report highlights that 54% of motorcycle crashes were due to driver distraction, lane invasion, and speeding.
Motorcycle-related accidents rose from 3,241 in 2023 to 3,506 in 2024. Fatalities also increased, with 516 motorcyclist deaths reported in 2024, up from 491 the previous year.
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Accidents by Region
San Salvador had the highest number of accidents, recording 6,328 cases, up from 5,972 in 2023. Other heavily affected departments included La Libertad (3,564 cases) and San Miguel (2,471 cases).
San Salvador also led in fatalities, with 281 deaths in 2024, followed by Santa Ana (139) and Sonsonate (142).
Dangerous Driving and Safety Measures
To combat traffic accidents, Salvadoran Authorities have intensified anti-doping controls as part of efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths.
In 2024, Salvadoran authorities arrested 2,311 people for dangerous driving, with alcohol and drug consumption remaining a key factor in accidents.
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In conclusion, traffic accidents in El Salvador have risen in 2024, with significant increases in injuries and fatalities. Addressing key causes such as driver distraction, speeding, and lane invasion is crucial to improving road safety.
