LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned motorists against speeding, reckless driving and distractions behind the wheel, as road safety advocates and communities mark the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The authority said preventable traffic violations continue to expose drivers, passengers and pedestrians to avoidable deaths and injuries, urging motorists to obey speed limits and remain alert while using the roads.
In a statement on Sunday, LASTMA said the annual observance honours people who have lost their lives in road crashes while recognising survivors and families whose lives have been affected by traffic accidents. The agency cautioned drivers against activities that divert their attention from the road, stressing that negligence and failure to observe traffic regulations could have devastating consequences. “A moment of carelessness on the road could change a lifetime,” the authority warned.
LASTMA said the effects of road crashes extend beyond those directly involved, often leaving families and entire communities to deal with emotional, physical and financial consequences. The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving road safety and strengthening traffic management across Lagos State. He also encouraged residents to report traffic-related emergencies and seek assistance through the authority’s toll-free hotline.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed annually on the third Sunday of November to remember those killed or injured in road crashes and draw attention to the need for safer roads and stronger road safety measures.
LASTMA urged motorists to make responsible driving a daily commitment rather than a practice limited to commemorative events.
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