Accident in San Rafael Cedros. SENSUNTEPEQUE, El Salvador — Despite an 5% decline in traffic-related deaths in 2025, the human toll on El Salvador’s roads was sobering, with more than 1,200 lives lost last year.
According to the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), 1,238 people died in traffic accidents between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
That figure marks a 5% decrease—65 fewer deaths—compared to the 1,303 fatalities recorded during 2024.
Last year, the San Salvador department recorded the highest number of fatalities at 279—a slight decrease from 281 from the previous year (-0.7%).
La Libertad ranked second with 178 deaths, marking a sharper decline from 196 in 2024 (-9.2%). Santa Ana followed with 138 deaths, one less than the previous year (-0.7%).
FONAT’s age breakdown highlights the demographic most impacted by the incidents. A total of 915 victims, representing 73.9%, were between the ages of 18 and 59, indicating that they belonged to the economically active population.
Furthermore, there were 289 fatalities (22%) among older individuals, while 53 minors (4.1%) also lost their lives this year.
The observatory reports that in 2025, hit-and-run over incidents accounted for the largest share of traffic-related fatalities in El Salvador, with 499 deaths, or 40.3% of the total.
Auto collisions followed with 439 deaths, representing 35.5% of the total, and auto crashes claimed 200 lives, or 16.2%.
Traffic accidents remain a significant issue in El Salvador. Although there was a decrease in the number of fatalities, the overall number of accidents remains concerning.
in 2025 accidents rose by 9.7%; however, traffic-related fatalities dropped by 5%.
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.
