The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged the public, especially pedestrians, to use designated overhead pedestrian bridges when crossing busy expressways.

LASTMA general manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki made this appeal in a statement on Sunday by Taofiq Adebayo, the agency’s spokesperson. 

Mr Bakare-Oki said the advisory followed a tragic incident in which a pedestrian was fatally struck by a lorry while crossing the Ojota expressway unlawfully.

“Preliminary findings show the lorry was on the Ojota carriageway when it struck the pedestrian, who breached crossing regulations by avoiding the nearby footbridge,” he explained.

The driver attempted to flee but lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a Toyota Corolla with registration number LND 905 HN.

LASTMA officers quickly apprehended the driver and secured the vehicle to prevent further danger.

“Both the driver and vehicle were handed to Ogudu Police Division for thorough investigation and necessary legal proceedings,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

He noted that LASTMA operatives transferred the deceased’s body to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU).

“This ensured respectful and appropriate handling of the victim’s remains in line with due process,” he added.

Mr Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, describing the event as tragic and entirely avoidable.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s dedication to preserving lives and promoting safe road habits across Lagos.

He warned that crossing expressways outside designated points is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

“It is reckless and illegal to ignore infrastructure provided for pedestrian safety,” Mr Bakare-Oki stated.

He stressed that the government has heavily invested in footbridges, and all road users must utilise them responsibly.

He urged the public to follow traffic safety rules, noting that non-compliance threatens everyone on the road.

(NAN)