The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it rescued 353 victims of road traffic crashes and other emergencies between January and May 2026, as it raised fresh alarm over rising road risks triggered by the ongoing rainy season in the state.
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 interventions reflected both improved response capacity and the growing dangers faced by motorists during heavy rainfall periods.
According to LASTMA, the rescued victims comprised 207 adult men, 137 adult women, and nine male children, all of whom received prompt emergency assistance from rescue operatives deployed to accident scenes across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki warned that the rainy season remains one of the most dangerous periods for road users, citing hazards such as poor visibility, slippery roads, flooding, reduced tyre grip and sudden mechanical failures.
He said: “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.”
The LASTMA boss stressed that many crashes recorded within the period could have been avoided if motorists adhered strictly to speed limits, maintained safe distances and avoided reckless overtaking.
He urged drivers to ensure regular inspection of critical vehicle components including brakes, tyres, wipers, lights, steering systems and indicators before embarking on journeys, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Bakare-Oki also cautioned against speeding on wet roads, warning that rainfall significantly reduces tyre traction and increases braking distance, often leading to skidding and loss of control.
He further advised motorists not to attempt driving through flash-flooded roads without first assessing water depth and road safety conditions, noting that such decisions often result in avoidable accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
Commending the agency’s emergency response team, Bakare-Oki praised the professionalism of LASTMA operatives as well as the support of other emergency responders, healthcare workers and security agencies in reducing fatalities on Lagos roads.
Reaffirming the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, he said LASTMA would continue to strengthen its emergency response operations through training, improved equipment and inter-agency collaboration.
He appealed to motorists to embrace discipline and patience on the roads, stressing that safety must remain a shared responsibility.
He said: “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.”
LASTMA assured Lagos residents of sustained readiness to respond to emergencies, assist distressed road users and maintain traffic flow as rainfall intensifies across the state.
