LASTMA Rescues 353 Crash Victims In Five Months, Warns Motorists Over Rainy Season Risks
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it rescued 353 victims of road traffic crashes and other emergencies across the state between January and May 2026, as it urged motorists to exercise greater caution amid worsening driving conditions during the ongoing rainy season.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed the figures while reviewing the performance of the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Unit, noting that the rescues underscored both the effectiveness of its emergency operations and the heightened risks faced by road users during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to the agency, the rescued victims comprised 207 adult men, 137 adult women and nine male children, all of whom received prompt emergency assistance from LASTMA personnel deployed to accident scenes across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki said the rainy season presents significant hazards, including poor visibility, slippery road surfaces, reduced tyre traction, flooded roads and mechanical failures, all of which increase the likelihood of road crashes.
“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,” he said.
He noted that many of the accidents could have been prevented through responsible driving, strict adherence to speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, avoiding dangerous overtaking and ensuring vehicles are properly maintained.
The LASTMA boss advised motorists to inspect critical vehicle components such as braking systems, tyres, windscreen wipers, lighting systems, steering mechanisms and indicators before embarking on journeys, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
He also warned against speeding on wet roads, stressing that rainfall significantly increases braking distances and reduces tyre grip, thereby heightening the risk of skidding, collisions and loss of vehicle control.
Bakare-Oki further cautioned drivers against attempting to navigate flash-flooded sections of roads without first assessing water depth and road conditions, saying such actions often result in avoidable accidents, vehicle breakdowns and emergency situations.
He commended the professionalism and rapid-response capabilities of LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, while acknowledging the contributions of other emergency responders, healthcare workers, security agencies and rescue partners whose collaboration, he said, has continued to save lives and reduce road fatalities across the state.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment under the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Bakare-Oki said LASTMA would continue strengthening its emergency response capacity through regular personnel training, acquisition of modern rescue equipment, strategic deployment of patrol assets and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
He also appealed to all road users to embrace a culture of patience, discipline, mutual respect and compliance with traffic regulations, describing road safety as 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,” he said.
LASTMA assured Lagos residents of its continued operational readiness to respond promptly to emergencies, assist distressed road users and maintain the free flow of traffic as rainfall intensifies across the state.
