The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has sounded an alert following the rescue of 353 individuals from road accidents and other emergencies in the first five months of 2026. This revelation was made by Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager, during a review of the agency’s emergency response efforts. He emphasized the need for heightened caution as the rainy season sets in.
According to Bakare-Oki, the rescued victims included 207 adult males, 137 adult females, and nine male children. All received prompt assistance from LASTMA personnel who quickly responded to accident scenes across Lagos. He noted that the figure highlights both the agency’s dedication to saving lives and the persistent dangers faced by road users during adverse weather.
The rainy season brings numerous hazards such as poor visibility, slippery roads, reduced traction, flooding, and mechanical failures, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents. Bakare-Oki stressed that many crashes could be avoided with responsible driving habits, including obeying speed limits, maintaining safe distances, avoiding reckless overtaking, and regular vehicle maintenance.
He advised motorists to check critical vehicle components like brakes, tires, windshield wipers, lights, indicators, and steering before traveling in heavy rain. Drivers were also warned against speeding on wet roads, as braking distances increase and tire grip decreases, raising the risk of skidding and collisions. Additionally, he cautioned against driving through flooded areas without assessing depth and conditions.
Bakare-Oki commended LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, as well as other emergency responders, healthcare workers, security agencies, and rescue partners for their collaborative efforts. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enhancing emergency response through training, modern equipment, strategic patrol deployment, and inter-agency cooperation.
He urged all road users to prioritize safety, patience, and discipline, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility. ‘Every life saved is invaluable,’ he concluded, urging motorists to make safety their top priority this rainy season. LASTMA remains prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies and ensure smooth traffic flow across Lagos as rainfall intensifies.