Accident in San Rafael Cedros. SENSUNTEPEQUE, El Salvador — Despite an 11.1% decline in traffic-related deaths in 2025, the human toll on El Salvador’s roads remains sobering, with more than 600 lives lost in the first half of the year.
According to the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), 635 people died in traffic accidents between January 1 and July 14, 2025.
That figure marks an 11.1% decrease—79 fewer deaths—compared to the 714 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024.
The data shows that the majority of deaths occurred in the capital and the surrounding departments.
San Salvador reported the highest number of fatalities with 140, down slightly from 151 last year.
La Libertad followed with 88 deaths, a notable drop from 113 in 2024. Santa Ana recorded 69 deaths, 11 fewer than in the previous year.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Traffic Accidents
FONAT’s breakdown by age underscores the demographic most affected. Of the total deaths, 457 victims—72.0%—were between 18 and 59 years old, placing them within the economically active population.
An additional 151 fatalities (23.8%) were among older people, while 27 minors (4.3%) also lost their lives.
The Observatory reports that the majority died in vehicle crashes and collisions. 257 individuals were struck by vehicles, 222 died in vehicle collisions, and 110 were killed in auto crashes.
A total of 46 deaths occurred as a result of rollover accidents and incidents involving “special characteristics.”
Traffic accidents remain a persistent issue in El Salvador, with more than 600 people killed on the roads so far in 2025. Despite a decline in deaths, the numbers remain alarming.
Authorities have intensified road safety measures, focusing on removing drunk drivers, enforcing speed limits, and conducting frequent checkpoints. These efforts aim to reduce reckless behavior that often leads to deadly crashes.
SEE ALSO: Drunk Drivers Arrested in El Salvador: The Impact of Road Safety Efforts
The government has also increased penalties for traffic violations, hoping to deter dangerous driving habits. Public awareness campaigns continue to stress the importance of road safety to prevent further loss of life.
