The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned children, teenagers and young adults against skating or using wheeled shoes on highways and other roads open to traffic.
The warning followed concerns over the growing use of roller skates, concealed-wheel shoes and similar devices by young people around moving vehicles.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the practice was dangerous, particularly when skaters attempted to glide alongside vehicles, cross busy roads or weave through traffic.
He said public highways were unpredictable environments where vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians moved simultaneously, leaving little room for skaters to react to sudden changes in traffic.
Bakare-Oki warned that such situations could result in serious crashes and life-changing injuries.
He urged parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to stop children from using roller skates and wheeled footwear on highways, expressways, bridges, service lanes and other areas where vehicles operate.
Instead, he advised skaters to use designated recreational facilities, private compounds and other safe areas specifically suited for skating.
The LASTMA boss also urged those using roller skates to wear safety equipment, including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.
He appealed to motorists to exercise extra caution around children and young people using wheeled footwear, especially in residential areas, estates and school zones.
Bakare-Oki stressed that protecting lives on Lagos roads required the cooperation of all road users, adding that no recreational activity was worth exposing people to unnecessary danger.
LASTMA also urged residents to report crashes, dangerous traffic situations, road obstructions, vehicle breakdowns and other incidents requiring urgent intervention through its toll-free short code 3367.
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