Accident in San Rafael Cedros. SENSUNTEPEQUE, El Salvador — Despite a 8% decline in traffic-related deaths in 2025, the human toll on El Salvador’s roads remains sobering, with more than 800 lives lost thus far this year.
According to the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), 817 people died in traffic accidents between January 1 and September 11, 2025.
That figure marks a 8% decrease—71 fewer deaths—compared to the 888 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024.
The San Salvador department has reported the highest number of fatalities with 182, down slightly from 194 last year.
La Libertad followed with 113 deaths, a notable drop from 131 in 2024. Santa Ana recorded 89 deaths, eight fewer than in the previous year.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Traffic Accidents
FONAT’s age breakdown highlights the demographic most impacted by the incidents.
A total of 652 victims, representing 73.9%, were between the ages of 18 and 59, indicating that they belong to the economically active population.
Furthermore, there were 199 fatalities (20.8%) among older individuals, while 37 minors (4%) also lost their lives this year.
The Observatory reported that in 2025, hit-and-run over incidents accounted for the largest share of traffic-related fatalities in El Salvador, with 320 deaths, or 39.2% of the total.
Auto collisions followed with 293 deaths, representing 35.9% of the total, and auto crashes claimed 141 lives, or 16.8%.
Traffic accidents continue to be a significant issue in El Salvador, with over 800 people killed on the roads in 2025 alone.
Although there has been a decrease in the number of fatalities, the overall number of accidents remains concerning.
In response, authorities have intensified road safety measures, focusing on removing drunk drivers, enforcing speed limits, and conducting frequent checkpoints. These initiatives aim to reduce reckless behavior that often leads to fatal crashes.
SEE ALSO: Drunk Drivers Arrested in El Salvador: The Impact of Road Safety Efforts
Additionally, the government has increased penalties for traffic violations in an effort to discourage dangerous driving habits. Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, emphasizing the importance of road safety to prevent further loss of life.
