El Salvador’s Ministry of Public Works reports a notable 16% decrease in road fatalities during the recent Christmas and New Year holiday period compared to 2022. Minister Romeo Rodríguez commended the positive trend but stressed the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety.

«Comparing 2023 to 2022, we observed a 16% reduction in road fatalities from December 23 to January 1. While this is promising, our commitment to reducing accidents remains steadfast,» stated Rodríguez.

#ControlesVMT | "Si comparamos el 2023 con 2022, en el periodo vacacional del 23 de diciembre al 1 de enero, tuvimos un 16 % menos fallecidos en carreteras", subraya el titular de @ObrasPublicasSV, @RomeoHerrera1. Agrega que esto es resultado de los controles antidopaje y… pic.twitter.com/IThZ8Ues2x

— Secretaría de Prensa de la Presidencia (@SecPrensaSV) January 2, 2024

The Minister highlighted historical improvements, noting a decline from six daily fatalities in 2019 to an average of three in 2023. During the holidays, law enforcement conducted 8,544 alcohol breathalyzer tests, a substantial increase from 2,915 in 2022.

«Of those tested, 97% of dangerous drivers were male. Motorcyclists accounted for 23%, public transportation 1%, and private transport 76%,» Rodríguez added.

Geographically, 41% of offenders were in San Salvador, 34% in San Miguel, 20% in La Libertad, and smaller percentages in other regions.

Minister Rodríguez also highlighted the success of the MOP Te Asiste service, providing 2,275 roadside assistance services during the holidays, with 85% concentrated in the San Salvador area.

While celebrating the decline in road fatalities, the Ministry remains committed to ongoing safety initiatives.