LASTMA Rescues 1,075 Crash Victims, Impounds 17,169 Vehicles in 2025 Road Safety Drive

LASTMA Rescues 1,075 Crash Victims, Impounds 17,169 Vehicles in 2025 Road Safety Drive

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority  (LASTMA) has rescued 1,075 injured road crash victims and impounded 17,169 vehicles for various traffic violations in 2025, underscoring what the agency described as significant progress in strengthening road safety across Lagos State.

The agency disclosed over the weekend that its officers carried out coordinated emergency rescue operations across critical traffic corridors in the state, ensuring prompt medical attention for accident victims through rapid response mechanisms and inter-agency collaboration.

According to operational statistics released by the Authority, 5,581 private vehicles and 10,825 commercial vehicles were impounded for infractions including reckless driving, overloading, obstruction, mechanical deficiencies and disregard for traffic regulations.

LASTMA also confirmed the arrest of 760 motorists for driving against traffic, commonly referred to as one-way violations, which it identified as a major contributor to severe crashes and avoidable fatalities on Lagos roads.

The General Manager of LASTMA said the figures reflect a shift toward proactive traffic governance driven by modern technology, intelligence-led enforcement and sustained public enlightenment aimed at reshaping motorists’ behaviour.

He noted that LASTMA personnel often put themselves at risk while responding to crash scenes to rescue victims, manage traffic flow and coordinate with medical and emergency responders to prevent secondary incidents.

The Authority attributed many of the recorded crashes to excessive speed, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, impaired driving and hazardous manoeuvres such as driving against traffic.

It stressed that vehicle impoundment remains a critical deterrent strategy designed to compel compliance, remove unsafe vehicles from circulation and reinforce adherence to traffic laws as safeguards for lives and property.

Expressing concern over persistent one-way driving, LASTMA described the practice as dangerous and capable of causing head-on collisions with devastating consequences. The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against such violations.

Beyond enforcement, LASTMA said it continues to intensify advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagements and sensitisation programmes targeted at motorists, transport unions and fleet operators to promote voluntary compliance.

The General Manager emphasised that the agency’s strategy prioritises prevention, early risk detection and rapid incident response — measures he described as essential for managing mobility in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos.

He added that LASTMA’s evolving operational model integrates technology-based monitoring, intelligence-driven deployment, continuous personnel training and stronger collaboration with emergency agencies.

While acknowledging the progress recorded, the Authority urged motorists to obey speed limits, maintain roadworthy vehicles, avoid one-way driving and comply with lawful directives from traffic officers.

LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement, deepening public enlightenment and deploying forward-looking strategies to address emerging transportation challenges across Lagos State.