The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it saved 353 lives through swift accident response in five months.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Bakare-Oki also urged 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 experiences intensified rainfall and challenging driving conditions.

He made this appeal while reviewing the 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.

“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 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 said.

The LASTMA boss observed that the rainy season invariably presented numerous hazards to motorists, including poor visibility, slippery road surfaces, reduced vehicular traction, flooded carriageways, mechanical malfunctions and impaired driving conditions.

He added that this significantly increased 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.

“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,” he said.

He further advised motorists to ensure that critical safety components of their vehicles, including braking systems, tyres, windshield wipers, lighting systems, indicators and steering mechanisms were maintained in optimal condition before embarking on journeys during periods of inclement weather.

He particularly cautioned against excessive speeding in rain, 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.

Mr 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 culminated 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.

He noted that their collective efforts had continued to save lives and reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.

He reaffirmed the agency’s determination, under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to further strengthen its emergency response framework.

This, he said, would be done through continuous personnel training, the acquisition of modern rescue equipment, the strategic deployment of patrol assets, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

The general manager appealed to all road users to cultivate a culture of safety consciousness, patience, discipline and mutual respect while navigating the state’s road network.

He emphasised that road safety remained a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.

He said, “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.

“As rainfall continues to intensify, LASTMA reassures residents of its sustained preparedness to respond swiftly to emergencies, provide timely assistance to distressed road users and ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the state.”

 (NAN)