As part of efforts to curb road accidents and promote safe driving culture during the ember months, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has partnered with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Chapter, to launch the 2025 Ember Months Safety Advocacy Campaign at the Ketu Motor Park, Lagos.
The campaign, themed “Drivers’ Education: An Antidote to Road Accidents and Well-being,” brought together key stakeholders in the transportation sector, including officials of LASDRI, NURTW, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Tiamiyu Afusat, said the initiative was crucial as road traffic typically increases during the ember months, heightening the risks of accidents caused by speeding and reckless driving.
“The ember months safety advocacy is essential because our roads face greater pressure during this period, worsened by the behaviour of some motorists,” she said.
“Through collaboration with stakeholders like the NURTW, we aim to raise awareness on the causes of road crashes, educate drivers on responsible driving, and address road safety challenges.”
Tiamiyu added that the partnership aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), which targets a significant reduction in global road traffic fatalities and injuries.
“Driver education remains key to tackling risks associated with increased vehicular movement, adverse weather, and human error during this period,” she noted.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the NURTW Lagos Chapter, Comrade Teslim Usman, said the campaign underscores the union’s commitment to promoting safety and reducing economic losses from road accidents.
“Beyond saving lives, road safety contributes to economic sustainability by preventing avoidable losses and reducing the social and economic burden of road carnage,” he said.
He added that the campaign fosters collective responsibility among road users to ensure safer highways, particularly during festive seasons.
Also speaking, the representative of LASTMA and Deputy Director of Safety, Mrs. Adeniji Olufunke, and the representative of VIS, Zonal Head Ojota, Engr. Ogabi Taofik, urged drivers to cooperate with traffic officials, describing them as partners in safety.
They also advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition to prevent avoidable breakdowns or accidents.
The event featured free health screening for over 150 drivers, including eye tests, blood pressure checks, blood sugar monitoring, and health counselling by officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
