LASTMA warns against skate shoes on public highways

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned children, teenagers and young adults against using rolling skate shoes, wheeled footwear and similar devices on public highways.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave the warning in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki warned that such practices exposed users to grave and entirely avoidable traffic hazards.

“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.

“This is particularly where users attempt to glide alongside moving vehicles, cross carriageways indiscriminately or manoeuvre through traffic without adequate protective measures and adult supervision,” he said.

He noted that unlike designated recreational facilities, public highways were dynamic and highly unpredictable environments characterised by the simultaneous movement of vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and other road users.

“The introduction of wheeled recreational devices into such spaces can significantly diminish a user’s ability to respond appropriately to sudden vehicular movements,.

“This creates circumstances capable of culminating in devastating collisions and life-altering injuries.

“LASTMA therefore strongly advises parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to discourage children and other vulnerable road users from engaging in recreational activities involving roller skates on highways, expressways, bridges and service lanes.

“They should also be discouraged from engaging in such activities in other locations where vehicular traffic is permitted,” he said.

The LASTMA boss further urged users of such footwear to restrict their activities to designated recreational areas, private compounds or other safe environments specifically suited for skating.

He added that they were to utilise appropriate protective equipment, including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and other safety gears.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that road safety is a collective responsibility that requires constant vigilance, discipline and respect for the inherent risks associated with public roads.

He emphasised that the preservation of human life must remain paramount, noting that no recreational activity was sufficiently important to justify exposing oneself or other road users to unnecessary danger.

“Motorists should exercise heightened vigilance around children and young persons using wheeled footwear, particularly within residential areas, estates, school zones and other locations where vulnerable road users may suddenly enter the traffic stream,” he said.

He urged members of the public to promptly report dangerous traffic situations, road obstructions, crashes, breakdowns and other incidents requiring urgent traffic-management intervention through the LASTMA toll-free short code 3367.

This, he said would facilitate timely intervention by relevant responders.

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