LASTMA rescues 353 accident victims in five months
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki has called on motorists, commercial transport operators, motorcyclists and all categories of road users to exercise utmost caution, vigilance and unwavering compliance with traffic regulations as the State continues to experience intensified rainfall and challenging driving conditions.
Bakare-Oki made this appeal while reviewing the commendable operational performance of the Agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Unit, which successfully rescued 353 victims involved in various road traffic accidents and emergency incidents across Lagos State between January and May 2026.
The rescued victims comprised 207 adult males, 137 adult females and 9 male children, all of whom benefited from the prompt, professional and life-saving interventions of LASTMA personnel deployed to accident and emergency scenes across the State.
The General Manager noted that the impressive rescue statistics not only reflect the Agency’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of human lives but also underscore the heightened vulnerability of road users during periods of adverse weather conditions.
He observed that the rainy season invariably presents numerous hazards to motorists, including poor visibility, slippery road surfaces, reduced vehicular traction, flooded carriageways, mechanical malfunctions and impaired driving conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of crashes and emergencies.
“While we take pride in the successful rescue of 353 individuals within the first five months of the year, these incidents equally serve as a poignant reminder of the need for greater caution and responsibility on our roads, particularly during the ongoing rainy season,” Bakare-Oki stated.
“A considerable number of these crashes could have been prevented through responsible driving habits, strict adherence to speed regulations, maintenance of safe driving distances, avoidance of reckless overtaking and routine vehicle maintenance.”
The LASTMA helmsman further advised motorists to ensure that critical safety components of their vehicles including braking systems, tyres, windshield wipers, lighting systems, indicators and steering mechanisms are maintained in optimal condition before embarking on journeys during periods of inclement weather.
He particularly cautioned against excessive speeding during rainfall, stressing that wet road surfaces considerably increase braking distances and diminish tyre grip, thereby heightening the risk of collisions, skidding and loss of vehicular control.
Bakare-Oki also warned motorists against driving recklessly through flash flooded sections of roads without first assessing the depth and condition of such areas, noting that such actions frequently culminate in accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other avoidable emergencies.
While commending the professionalism, dedication and rapid-response capabilities of LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, he acknowledged the invaluable support and collaboration of allied emergency agencies, healthcare personnel, security operatives and rescue partners whose collective efforts have continued to save lives and reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s determination, under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to further strengthen its emergency response framework through continuous personnel training, acquisition of modern rescue equipment, strategic deployment of patrol assets and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
The General Manager consequently appealed to all road users to cultivate a culture of safety consciousness, patience, discipline and mutual respect while navigating the State’s road network, emphasizing that road safety remains a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.
“Every life preserved is of immeasurable value. We therefore urge all motorists to make safety their foremost priority during this rainy season. Strict compliance with traffic regulations and responsible road conduct remain the most effective safeguards against avoidable tragedies and needless loss of lives,” Bakare-Oki concluded.
As rainfall continues to intensify across Lagos State, LASTMA reassures residents of its sustained preparedness and operational readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies, provide timely assistance to distressed road users and ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the State.
