LASTMA rescues 670 accident victims in 1,409 crashes in 9 months

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 accident victims in nine months, reinforcing its critical role in protecting lives and promoting road safety across Lagos State.

The operational figures, disclosed over the weekend, reflect the authority’s sustained commitment to reducing crash-related casualties, ensuring prompt emergency interventions and strengthening incident-response mechanisms across Lagos State’s increasingly complex transportation network.

LASTMA operatives are routinely deployed to crash scenes to conduct preliminary assessments, facilitate the rescue of victims, implement strategic traffic diversions and prevent secondary collisions. These interventions also help ease congestion, restore traffic flow and ensure unhindered access for relevant emergency response agencies.

The rescue of 670 accident victims highlights the humanitarian dimension of LASTMA’s statutory responsibilities. Despite hazardous and unpredictable conditions, its personnel continue to demonstrate professionalism, vigilance and dedication while coordinating emergency assistance with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant first responders.

General manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to strengthening its incident-response capabilities, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting strict compliance with traffic regulations.

He emphasised that prompt reporting of road tr affic crashes and effective collaboration among emergency response agencies remain critical to reducing casualties and improving road safety outcomes.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe prescribed speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. He also cautioned against distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres that could endanger lives.

According to him, defensive driving and responsible motoring remain fundamental safeguards against preventable road traffic crashes.

He further called on private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise greater vigilance, obey traffic directives and promptly report road crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367.

The General Manager reiterated that road safety requires collective responsibility and an unwavering commitment from all road users.

He noted that road traffic crashes often result in fatalities, debilitating injuries, substantial economic losses and lasting emotional trauma for affected families. He stressed that strict adherence to traffic regulations, regular vehicle inspections and prudent driving practices were essential to minimising these devastating consequences.

LASTMA reiterated its resolve to sustain proactive emergency response, deepen inter-agency collaboration and intensify road safety advocacy across Lagos State.

The Authority urged all road users to embrace responsible conduct, stressing that protecting human lives on the roads is both a statutory obligation and a collective responsibility.

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