By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has urged motorists in Lagos to avoid drunk driving, excessive speeding and other unsafe practices during the Easter festivities.
Bakare-Oki gave the warning in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the Easter period is usually marked by heavy movement, which puts pressure on the state’s transport system.
He cautioned that irresponsible driving behaviours such as driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous overtaking and reckless speeding could lead to avoidable accidents, loss of lives and destruction of property.
He stressed that no celebration should compromise road safety or endanger other road users.
To manage the anticipated increase in traffic, he disclosed that LASTMA has deployed additional personnel to major highways, intersections, transport hubs, central business districts, recreational centres and religious venues across the state.
He said the officers have been directed to intensify monitoring, ensure compliance with traffic regulations and respond promptly to any disruptions.
Bakare-Oki also revealed that the agency has positioned high- and medium-capacity tow trucks, traffic cones, safety barriers and other operational equipment at strategic locations to enable quick clearance of broken-down vehicles and effective incident management.
He said the move reflects LASTMA’s commitment to ensuring smooth movement of people, goods and services, while safeguarding lives and property during the festive period.
“We appeal to all motorists to be patient, obey traffic rules and cooperate with officers on duty. Safety is a collective responsibility, and a moment of recklessness can result in irreversible consequences,” he said.
He further urged commercial drivers, transport unions, fleet operators and logistics managers to sensitise their members on the dangers of overloading, speeding and substance abuse while driving, noting that compliance with road safety measures is essential to reducing accidents.
He also extended Easter greetings to residents and encouraged the public to report traffic violations, obstructions and emergencies to appropriate authorities for prompt intervention.