The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced that it responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 accident victims across Lagos State within the first nine months of the year. This development reaffirms the agency's commitment to road safety and rapid emergency response. According to LASTMA, its personnel are routinely deployed to accident scenes to conduct preliminary assessments, rescue victims, implement traffic diversions and prevent secondary crashes.
The interventions also help reduce traffic congestion, restore the free flow of vehicles and provide unhindered access for emergency responders. LASTMA noted that the rescue of 670 victims highlights the humanitarian aspect of its operations, with officers often working under hazardous and unpredictable conditions to save lives. The agency's personnel continue to work closely with other emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Speaking on the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to strengthening its emergency response capacity, intensifying public awareness campaigns and promoting strict compliance with traffic regulations. He stressed that prompt reporting of road crashes and sustained collaboration among emergency agencies remain critical to reducing casualties and improving road safety across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to comply with speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts, maintain roadworthy vehicles and avoid distracted or reckless driving. He described defensive driving and responsible road use as essential measures for preventing avoidable crashes. The LASTMA boss also appealed to private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to remain vigilant and obey traffic officials.
Bakare-Oki further urged road users to promptly report crashes, broken-down vehicles and other road emergencies through the agency's toll-free emergency short code, 3367. According to him, road traffic crashes often result in loss of life, serious injuries, economic hardship and emotional trauma for victims and their families. He added that regular vehicle maintenance and strict observance of traffic laws remain crucial to reducing such incidents.
The General Manager reiterated that LASTMA would continue to strengthen proactive incident response, deepen collaboration with relevant agencies and sustain road safety advocacy programmes aimed at protecting lives and property. He urged all road users to embrace responsible conduct, stressing that ensuring safety on the roads is both a statutory responsibility and a shared civic obligation.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority's efforts to improve road safety and emergency response have yielded significant results, with the agency responding to over 1,400 road traffic crashes and rescuing 670 victims within nine months. LASTMA's commitment to protecting lives and reducing crash-related casualties is evident in its growing role in the state's increasingly busy transport network.
Key points
- LASTMA responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 accident victims across Lagos State within nine months.
- The agency works closely with other emergency agencies to provide rapid emergency response and reduce traffic congestion.
- LASTMA urges road users to adopt responsible conduct, including compliance with speed limits, traffic signals, and vehicle maintenance.
