The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has called on leaders throughout the state to include road safety messages in their sermons and teachings, as this helps reduce traffic violations and prevent road accidents.

The general manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal during the investiture, rebranding and induction of over 100 LASTMA Mayors. The volunteers are being added to improve traffic management and public engagement, especially ahead of the yuletide.

Mr Bakare-Oki said religious institutions play a role in encouraging responsible driving and traffic discipline.

He pointed out that these institutions have an influence on public behaviour and are powerful in bringing communities together.

Mr Bakare-Oki said road safety awareness should go beyond government efforts and should be part of sermons, fellowship meetings and other religious gatherings.

The LASTMA boss urged Christian and Muslim clerics to remind their followers about the dangers of excessive speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving and illegal parking.

He also called for awareness about traffic rules and warned that reckless driving and ignoring traffic rules put people at risk.

Mr Bakare-Oki added that the government cannot achieve improvements in traffic management alone.

He listed institutions, market associations, transport unions, community development groups and civil society organisations as important partners in making roads safer.

This effort is part of LASTMA’s plan to boost cooperation and improve traffic management in Lagos ahead of yuletide.