LASTMA Deploys More Officers, Warns Motorists Against Drunk Driving During Easter

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has stepped up its preparations for the Easter celebrations by deploying additional personnel and essential equipment across the state, while cautioning motorists against drunk driving and other unsafe road behaviours.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued the warning as Lagos anticipates increased human and vehicular movement during the festive period. He urged drivers and other road users to remain alert, disciplined, and fully compliant with traffic rules.

Bakare-Oki warned that driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, reckless overtaking, and similar dangerous actions could result in avoidable accidents, loss of lives, and damage to property. He noted that while festive periods are meant for celebration, they often put pressure on the transport system, making caution even more necessary.

He emphasised that no celebration is worth risking human lives.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, LASTMA has deployed additional officers to major roads, highways, transport hubs, intersections, business districts, recreational centres, and religious locations across the five divisions of Lagos State. The officers have been instructed to intensify monitoring, enforce compliance, and respond quickly to traffic-related incidents.

The agency has also stationed high- and medium-capacity tow trucks, traffic cones, safety barriers, and other equipment at strategic points to swiftly address breakdowns and disruptions.

According to Bakare-Oki, the increased deployment reflects LASTMA’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient movement throughout the Easter period. He added that all operational teams have been fully mobilised to manage the expected surge in traffic.

He further appealed to motorists to remain patient, obey traffic officials, and prioritise safety at all times, noting that a single moment of poor judgment could have lasting consequences.

Bakare-Oki also called on commercial drivers, transport unions, fleet operators, and logistics companies to sensitise their members on the dangers of overloading, speeding, and substance abuse, stressing that reducing road accidents requires collective responsibility.

LASTMA extended Easter greetings to residents of Lagos and reaffirmed its readiness to maintain smooth traffic management during the holiday. The agency also encouraged the public to report traffic violations, obstructions, or emergencies for prompt response.