No fewer than 18 private and commercial drivers have been scheduled to undergo a mandatory psychiatric tests by the Lagos State Government after they were apprehended by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for driving against traffic across the state.
The decision to subject the 18 motorists apprehended for brazenly driving against traffic flow to the test, according to the government, is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads.
It added that this measure is not a punitive one rather to rehabilitate the erring drivers and stop the violators from contravening the traffic law in the state.
This according to the government is part of their prosecution which the LASTMA has finalized after they were caught willfully driving against traffic flow.
The state government noted that the psychiatric test will evaluate their cognitive fitness and behavioral disposition to public issues in Lagos.
According to the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, this initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioral enforcement.
“The enforcement of psychiatric assessments is not intended to stigmatize or punish,” Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized.
“Rather, it is a necessary intervention designed to protect the general motoring public from individuals who exhibit reckless disregard for human life and lawful order.”
The LASTMA boss, in a statement made available to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, stressed that despite ongoing public enlightenment campaigns and education efforts, a significant number of road users continue to disregard traffic laws, contributing to fatal collisions, congestion, and infrastructural degradation.
“The Lagos State Government is resolute in its commitment to ending this menace and ensuring that traffic laws are respected.
“The deployment of psychiatric testing serves as both a corrective instrument and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to emulate such hazardous behavior. “This measure is more than just a traffic enforcement initiative,” stated Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
“It is a moral and civic imperative, reflecting the Lagos State Government’s vision to promote responsible motoring, safeguard human life, and maintain order on our roads.”
He stated that while they continue disregarding the traffic law, the LASTMA officials are dedicated to the rule of law, public enlightenment, and sustained infrastructural harmony.
“All residents and road users are strongly advised to comply with traffic directives, embrace lawful conduct, and contribute to the creation of a safe, efficient, and sane Lagos”.
