The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 accident victims across the state in nine months.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, highlighting its efforts to reduce road crash casualties and strengthen emergency response.
LASTMA said its operatives routinely respond to crash scenes to rescue victims, conduct preliminary assessments, divert traffic and prevent secondary collisions.
According to the agency, these interventions also help ease congestion, restore traffic flow and provide access for emergency response agencies.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening its incident-response capabilities, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.
He stressed that prompt reporting of road crashes and effective collaboration among emergency response agencies were essential to reducing casualties and improving road safety.
The agency said its personnel work with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other first responders to assist accident victims.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.
He also warned against distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres, noting that defensive driving and responsible motoring were essential to preventing avoidable accidents.
The LASTMA general manager called on private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise caution, obey traffic directives and promptly report road crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention.
He urged road users to report such incidents through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367.
Bakare-Oki noted that road crashes often result in fatalities, debilitating injuries, economic losses and emotional trauma for affected families.
He said strict adherence to traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and prudent driving practices remained critical to reducing the consequences of road accidents.
