Lagos: Motorists caught driving against traffic to undergo psychiatric test
In a bid to curb the menace of reckless driving on Lagos roads, the Lagos State Government has ordered 18 drivers caught driving against traffic to undergo mental evaluation. The decision, which is part of the government’s efforts to restore sanity on the roads, aims to determine the mental state of the offenders and recommend […]
In a bid to curb the menace of reckless driving on Lagos roads, the Lagos State Government has ordered 18 drivers caught driving against traffic to undergo mental evaluation.
The decision, which is part of the government’s efforts to restore sanity on the roads, aims to determine the mental state of the offenders and recommend appropriate treatment.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the 18 drivers were apprehended at various locations across the state for driving against the flow of traffic, a practice commonly known as “one-way” driving.
The mental evaluation, which will be conducted by a team of psychiatrists, is expected to help the government understand the motivations behind the drivers’ reckless behavior and provide guidance on how to prevent future occurrences.
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The Lagos State Government has warned that any driver found guilty of driving against traffic flow will face the full wrath of the law, including prosecution and possible imprisonment.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who confirmed the incident, said the move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges of traffic management in the state and ensure the safety of road users.
The LASTMA GM disclosed that aside facing prosecution in a court of law, each offender will be required to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess their cognitive fitness and behavioral disposition.
Bakare-Oki stated that the initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioral enforcement.
“The enforcement of psychiatric assessments is not intended to stigmatize or punishment, but 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” he added.
He further stated that despite ongoing public enlightenment campaigns and education efforts, a significant number of road users have continued to disregard traffic laws, contributing to fatal collisions, congestion, and infrastructural degradation.
“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 Mr. 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.”