One in Four Public Health Visits in Ecuador Now Comes From Traffic Accidents

The Stat

Per Teleamazonas, citing Ecuador's Ministerio de Salud Pública (source):

"El 25% de las atenciones registradas a enero de 2026 en la red pública de salud de Ecuador se generaron como producto de siniestros de tránsito."

Translation: In January 2026, 25% of all medical visits to Ecuador's public health system were caused by traffic accidents.

The 2025 comparison figure was 26%, meaning the January 2026 number is broadly stable at around a quarter of public health demand.

The 2025 Baseline

The Agencia Nacional de Tránsito (ANT) reported for the full year 2025:

• 20,346 traffic accidents
• 17,932 people injured
• 2,354 people killed

That's roughly one accident every 26 minutes on average, and more than six traffic deaths per day.

What This Means for Expats

• Traffic is Ecuador's most consistent safety risk for residents — more consequential for most expats than any other category, including street crime. It's not sensational, but it's where the numbers actually land.
• Treat every drive as the highest-risk activity of your day. Seat belts, no alcohol (Ecuador's tolerance is effectively zero), no phone use while driving, and extra space on mountain roads.
• Motorcycles are disproportionately dangerous. If you ride one in Ecuador, a full-face helmet, armored jacket, and daytime running lights are non-negotiable.
• Night driving is especially risky. Highway lighting is poor, shoulder markings are inconsistent, and pedestrians, livestock, and unlit vehicles are not uncommon. If you can avoid overnight highway driving, do.
• Have health insurance. IESS covers public hospital care; many expats also carry private insurance for access to private clinics. If you're in a major accident, the difference in care access matters.
• Ecuador's 911 system works. ECU 911 is the single emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance nationwide.

Source: Teleamazonas