Education is the key to reducing traffic accidents, according to a Salvadoran consultant.

The road safety consultant emphasizes that road safety culture must be strengthened through education and prevention. (Courtesy: Cruz Verde Zacatecoluca) The solution to the high rate of traffic accidents in El Salvador lies in education and prevention, according to road safety consultant Benedicto Antonio Perlera, who argues that the country faces an "epidemic" in terms of accidents. The specialist, with over thirty years of experience in the sector and director of the Edén Consultores S. A. de C. V. driving school, stressed in an interview with Infobae that "the problem is getting out of control" and that the response must involve a real social commitment. During the interview, Perlera emphasized that the training of new drivers must go beyond the basics. "Many have learned empirically, without adhering to what is required by the General Traffic Regulations, the Traffic Law, the fine schedule, the signage, or the criminal and civil liability," explained the consultant, who is also a lawyer. For him, only solid instruction can prevent "criminals with licenses," as he described those who obtain a permit without adequate knowledge. According to Perlera, the focus should be on prevention, incorporating road safety into the educational curriculum from childhood, and enforcing strict compliance with current laws. "Tell me what you are doing for your people and your country," he challenged, referring to the role of institutions. "Investing in education and prevention helps avoid public spending on accidents and saves lives that cannot be replaced," he emphasized. The consultant, Benedicto Perlera, explains the importance of knowing the law to prevent accidents. (Courtesy) In El Salvador, the recent reform of December 20, 2024, has increased penalties, especially for those who drive under the influence of alcohol, but, according to Perlera, a transformation in road safety culture is still needed. He pointed out that the law is clear and that the main challenge lies in its implementation and effective enforcement. "If you have an excellent law and you don't enforce it, you have a dead law," he said. According to the consultant, driving schools play a key role. The closure of 123 training centers between 2025 and 2026 highlighted the need for stricter regulations and a system that prioritizes real training. "There are people who buy motorcycles and vehicles, but they do not have a license or know the regulations. The problem is not the cost of the process, but the lack of willingness to follow the training process," Perlera told Infobae. The National Road Safety Education Plan, promoted by the school he directs, has been presented to authorities such as President Nayib Bukele, the Legislative Assembly, and the Vice Ministry of Transportation. "We have been working tirelessly for seven years in the fourteen departments of the country, on weekends, to strengthen driver education and evaluation," he said. The initiative includes teaching about rights, respect for life, gender equality, as well as knowledge of national legislation and international treaties on traffic. According to official data, motorcyclists and cyclists are part of the vulnerable group on Salvadoran roads. (PNC) Perlera listed several fundamental regulations that, in his opinion, every driver should know: Article 4 of the General Traffic Regulations, which details concepts and definitions, and regulations such as Articles 98, 116, and 155 to 156, which establish obligations and duties. "The regulations are the foundation of road safety," he said, and emphasized that a lack of knowledge causes even people with years of experience to ignore their responsibilities. When addressing animal protection and accidents involving pets, Perlera explained that the regulations already exist, both in the Penal Code and in the Traffic Law. He argued that the responsibility lies with the owners of the animals and that a lack of knowledge about the regulations often leads to confusion in the application of penalties. The consultant also highlighted international experiences. He has been invited to speak about road safety education in countries such as Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, and Spain, and mentioned that the training model he promotes has begun to attract attention outside his country, specifically in countries such as Honduras and Guatemala.