Gladness Gideon
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to motorists engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, declaring a zero-tolerance policy against eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.
The agency emphasized that such actions are a violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and could result in prosecution, including potential jail terms for offenders.
In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, LASTMA underscored the dangers posed by these activities, which can severely impair a driver’s ability to concentrate and react swiftly in traffic situations.
The warning comes in response to a series of recent accidents attributed to distracted driving, particularly in Lagos, a city known for its heavy traffic congestion and high accident rates.
“Smoking, drinking, and eating while driving is an offence under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018,” LASTMA’s statement read.
The agency highlighted the increased risk of accidents when drivers divert their attention from the road to engage in these activities, further stressing that such distractions could lead to devastating consequences for both the driver and other road users.
The move by LASTMA reflects growing concerns over road safety in Lagos, where the rate of traffic accidents has been escalating in recent months.
The city, with its population of over 20 million, faces significant challenges in managing traffic flow and ensuring public safety.
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LASTMA’s intervention aims to curb the dangerous habits that compromise road safety, especially as more motorists continue to engage in distracting behaviors while driving. The agency has warned that officers will be vigilant in identifying and prosecuting violators of this policy to ensure the protection of all road users.
Experts have long argued that eating, drinking, and smoking while driving not only distracts the driver but also increases the likelihood of accidents due to impaired decision-making and slower reaction times.
The initiative by LASTMA is seen as a necessary step toward improving road safety and reducing preventable accidents across the state.
Motorists are now urged to remain focused on the road and to avoid engaging in activities that could endanger lives. LASTMA has vowed to enforce the policy strictly, sending a clear message that road safety is a priority for the state government.