Accident in San Rafael Cedros. SENSUNTEPEQUE, El Salvador — Despite an 8.3% decline in traffic-related deaths in 2025, the human toll on El Salvador’s roads remains sobering, with more than 1,000 lives lost thus far this year.
According to the Fund for the Care of Victims of Traffic Accidents (FONAT), 1,015 people died in traffic accidents between January 1 and November 10, 2025.
That figure marks a 8.3% decrease—92 fewer deaths—compared to the 1,107 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024.
This year, the San Salvador department has recorded the highest number of fatalities at 231—a slight decrease from 244 last year (-5.3%).
La Libertad ranks second with 146 deaths, marking a sharper decline from 160 in 2024 (-8.8%). Santa Ana follows with 109 deaths so far this year, 10 fewer than the previous year (-8.4%).
FONAT’s age breakdown highlights the demographic most impacted by the incidents.
A total of 747 victims, representing 73.6%, were between the ages of 18 and 59, indicating that they belonged to the economically active population.
Furthermore, there were 225 fatalities (22.2%) among older individuals, while 43 minors (4.2%) also lost their lives this year.
The observatory reports that in 2025, hit-and-run over incidents have accounted for the largest share of traffic-related fatalities in El Salvador, with 406 deaths, or 40.0% of the total.
Auto collisions followed with 361 deaths, representing 35.6% of the total, and auto crashes claimed 165 lives, or 16.3%.
Traffic accidents remain a significant issue in El Salvador. Although there has been a decrease in the number of fatalities, the overall number of accidents remains concerning.
So far this year, accidents have risen by 9.0%; however, traffic-related fatalities have fallen by 8.3%.
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.
