The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), under the leadership of its General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki has responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 accident victims within nine months, underscoring its pivotal role in safeguarding human lives and strengthening road safety across Lagos State.
These operational achievements which was disclosed over the weekend reflect the Authority’s sustained commitment to mitigating crash-related casualties, facilitating prompt interventions and reinforcing incident-response mechanisms across Lagos State’s increasingly complex transportation network.
LASTMA operatives are routinely deployed to crash scenes to conduct preliminary assessments, facilitate victims’ rescue, implement strategic traffic diversions and forestall secondary collisions. These interventions also help alleviate congestion, restore traffic fluidity and facilitate unhindered access for relevant response agencies.
The rescue of 670 accident victims underscores the humanitarian dimension of LASTMA’s statutory responsibilities. Despite hazardous and unpredictable circumstances, its personnel continue to demonstrate professionalism, vigilance and dedication while coordinating assistance with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant first responders.
The General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its incident-response capabilities, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting strict compliance with prevailing traffic regulations. He emphasised that prompt incident reporting and effective inter-agency collaboration remain indispensable to reducing casualties and enhancing road safety outcomes.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe prescribed speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts, maintain roadworthy vehicles and eschew distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres capable of jeopardising human lives. He stressed that defensive driving and responsible motoring remain fundamental safeguards against preventable road traffic crashes.
He further called on private drivers, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise heightened vigilance, respect traffic directives and promptly report road crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367. He reiterated that road safety demands collective responsibility and an unwavering commitment from every road user.
The General Manager observed that road traffic crashes frequently result in fatalities, debilitating injuries, substantial economic losses and enduring emotional trauma for affected families. He maintained that strict adherence to traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and prudent driving practices are essential to mitigating these devastating consequences.
LASTMA remains resolute in advancing proactive incident response, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and sustaining road safety advocacy. The Authority therefore urges all road users to embrace responsible conduct and recognise that protecting human lives is both a statutory obligation and a collective moral imperative.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
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