LASTMA saves 353 people from accidents in five months

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority rescued 353 people involved in road accidents and emergencies from January to May 2026.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, shared this information while discussing the work of the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Unit.

A statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed these numbers.

Among the rescued victims were 207 adult males, 137 adult females, and nine male children.

Bakare-Oki noted that this number shows the rising dangers road users face during bad weather.

He urged drivers, commercial transport operators, motorcyclists, and all road users to be careful and follow traffic rules as the rain gets heavier in Lagos.

According to him, the rainy season brings many dangers like poor visibility, slippery roads, less control of vehicles, flooded areas, and mechanical issues that can lead to accidents.

“While we are proud to have rescued 353 people in the first five months, these events remind us to be more careful and responsible on the roads, especially now that it is rainy season.

“A lot of these crashes could have been avoided with responsible driving, sticking to speed limits, keeping safe distances, avoiding reckless overtaking, and regular vehicle checks,” Bakare-Oki said.

The LASTMA boss told drivers to check important parts of their vehicles, like brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers, lights, indicators, and steering systems, before starting their journeys during heavy rain.

He warned against driving too fast on wet roads, explaining that rain makes it harder to stop and reduces tyre grip, leading to skidding and accidents.

Bakare-Oki also advised drivers to be careful when crossing flooded roads and to check how deep and safe those areas are first.

He praised the LASTMA Rescue and Emergency Response Team for their quick actions and professionalism. He also recognized the support from other emergency groups, healthcare workers, security agencies, and rescue partners.

“Every life saved is very important. We ask all drivers to prioritize safety during this rainy season.

“Following traffic rules and being responsible on the road are the best ways to prevent unnecessary accidents and loss of lives,” he said.