Accident in San Rafael Cedros. Traffic deaths in El Salvador are rising in 2026. According to the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), from January 1 to March 10, authorities recorded 282 fatalities on the country’s roads, a sharp increase compared with the same period in 2025.
During the same timeframe in 2025, traffic accidents claimed 212 lives nationwide. The latest figures show 70 additional deaths this year, representing a troubling 33% increase in road fatalities.
Traffic accidents remain a persistent public safety concern despite improvements in other security areas. Reckless driving, speeding, and motorcycle crashes continue to rank among the most common factors behind deadly collisions.
The rising number of deaths shows that road safety remains a serious challenge for Salvadoran authorities.
Traffic Deaths by Departments
San Salvador ranks first among the departments with the highest number of traffic fatalities in 2026. Authorities have recorded 61 deaths so far, 15 more than during the same period last year, representing a 32.6% increase.
Sonsonate follows with 35 traffic deaths recorded this year. That figure represents 10 more fatalities than the same period in 2025, marking a significant 40% increase in road deaths.
Santa Ana ranks third with 28 traffic fatalities reported so far in 2026. The number is eight higher than during the same period last year, reflecting a 40% rise in deadly traffic accidents.
Together, these three departments account for 44% of traffic deaths nationwide.
Traffic Deaths by Age Range and Type of Accident
Traffic deaths in El Salvador in 2026 show notable differences across age groups. Adults of working age account for the largest share of victims.
Authorities have recorded 151 deaths among adults of productive age, representing 48 more fatalities than the same period last year, a 31.8% increase.
Among the elderly population, authorities have reported 48 deaths so far in 2026. That figure is 26 more than during the same period in 2025, reflecting a sharp 54.2% increase in fatalities among older adults.
In contrast, traffic deaths among minors have declined this year. Authorities report 9 fatalities, which is four fewer deaths than the same period last year, representing a 30.8% decrease.
When examining the types of accidents, hit-and-run incidents remain a leading cause of fatalities. Authorities have recorded 117 deaths from hit-and-run crashes, marking a 27.2% increase compared to the same period last year.
Collisions are another major cause of fatal accidents on Salvadoran roads. So far in 2026, authorities have reported 102 deaths from collisions, representing a 47.8% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025.
Traffic accidents remain a significant issue in El Salvador. So far this year, accidents have risen by over 25%.
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.
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.
