LASTMA warns after rescuing 353 road accident victims in five months

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned of increasing risks during the rainy season, reporting that 353 people were rescued from road crashes and other emergencies in Lagos State between January and May 2026.

General Manager Olalekan Bakare‑Oki made the statement while reviewing the agency’s emergency response activities. He urged motorists, commercial transport operators, motorcyclists and all road users to exercise greater caution amid heavier rainfall and tougher driving conditions.

According to Bakare‑Oki, the 353 rescued victims included 207 adult males, 137 adult females and nine male children. All received timely assistance from LASTMA personnel who were deployed to accident scenes across the state.

He said the figures underscore the agency’s commitment to preserving lives while highlighting the dangers road users face during adverse weather.

Bakare‑Oki explained that the rainy season brings several hazards—poor visibility, slippery roads, reduced vehicle traction, flooded roads, mechanical faults and other conditions that increase the likelihood of accidents and emergencies.

“While we take pride in the successful rescue of 353 individuals within the first five months of the year, these incidents equally serve as a poignant reminder of the need for greater caution and responsibility on our roads, particularly during the ongoing rainy season,” Bakare‑Oki stated.

“A considerable number of these crashes could have been prevented through responsible driving habits, strict adherence to speed regulations, maintenance of safe driving distances, avoidance of reckless overtaking and routine vehicle maintenance,” he added.

The LASTMA boss advised motorists to ensure that key safety components of their vehicles—braking systems, tyres, windshield wipers, lighting systems, indicators and steering mechanisms—are in good condition before travelling during heavy rainfall.

He also cautioned drivers against excessive speeding during rain, noting that wet road surfaces increase braking distances and reduce tyre grip, thereby raising the risk of collisions, skidding and loss of control.

Bakare‑Oki further warned motorists against driving through flooded road sections without first assessing depth and condition, stating that such actions often lead to accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other avoidable emergencies.

While commending the professionalism and dedication of LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, he acknowledged the support of other emergency responders, healthcare workers, security agencies and rescue partners whose contributions have continued to save lives and reduce fatalities on Lagos roads.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment, under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu’s administration, to strengthening its emergency response system through continuous training of personnel, acquisition of modern rescue equipment, strategic deployment of patrol assets and improved collaboration with relevant agencies.

The General Manager also urged all road users to embrace safety consciousness, patience, discipline and mutual respect while using the state’s road network, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Every life preserved is of immeasurable value. We therefore urge all motorists to make safety their foremost priority during this rainy season. Strict compliance with traffic regulations and responsible road conduct remain the most effective safeguards against avoidable tragedies and needless loss of lives,” Bakare‑Oki concluded.

He assured residents that LASTMA remains fully prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies, provide assistance to distressed road users and ensure the smooth flow of traffic across the state as rainfall continues to intensify.