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 May 10, authorities recorded 533 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 418 lives nationwide. The latest figures show 115 additional deaths this year, representing a troubling 27.5% 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 117 deaths so far, 15 more than during the same period last year, representing a 14.7% increase.
La Libertad follows with 64 traffic deaths recorded this year. That figure represents 14 more fatalities than the same period in 2025, marking a 28% increase in road deaths.
Santa Ana ranks third with 61 traffic fatalities reported so far in 2026. The number is 21 higher than during the same period last year, reflecting a 52.5% rise in deadly traffic accidents.
Together, these three departments account for 45.4% of all traffic deaths nationwide.
Traffic Deaths by Age Range and Type of Accident
Traffic deaths in 2026 show notable differences across age groups. Adults of working age account for the largest share of victims.
Authorities have recorded 380 deaths among adults of productive age, representing 84 more fatalities than the same period last year, a 28.4% increase.
Among the elderly population, authorities have reported 130 deaths so far in 2026. That figure is 29 more than during the same period in 2025, reflecting a 28.7% increase in fatalities among older adults.
Traffic deaths among minors have barely increased this year. Authorities report 23 fatalities, which is two more than the same period last year, representing a 9.5% increase.
When examining the types of accidents, hit-and-run incidents remain a leading cause of fatalities. Authorities have recorded 199 deaths from hit-and-run crashes, marking an 18.5% 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 188 deaths from collisions, representing a 27% 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 17%.
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.
