Oluwatobi Adu 
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has urged parents and guardians to keep children and young people using roller skates and wheeled footwear away from busy public roads.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki issued the warning on Sunday, saying highways and other roads designed for motorised traffic pose serious risks to people skating alongside moving vehicles.
He said the authority had observed a growing use of footwear fitted with concealed or retractable wheels on public roads.
“The authority observed that the increasing use of footwear fitted with concealed or retractable wheels on roads designed primarily for motorised traffic constitutes a serious safety concern,” Bakare-Oki said.
He said the danger was particularly high when skaters attempted to move alongside vehicles, crossroads indiscriminately or manoeuvre through traffic without protective equipment and adult supervision.
According to the LASTMA chief, the continuous movement of cars, motorcycles and pedestrians makes roads unsuitable for recreational skating because skaters may struggle to stop or change direction quickly.
He advised families, schools and caregivers to use private compounds, designated recreational facilities and other controlled environments for skating.
Bakare-Oki also urged parents to ensure children wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and other appropriate protective equipment.
He called on motorists to remain alert around residential areas, estates and school zones where children using wheeled footwear could unexpectedly enter the road.
The LASTMA general manager further encouraged members of the public to report traffic hazards through the agency’s toll-free line, 3367, to enable a prompt response.
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Mirian Gom 
