The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority is warning children, teenagers and young adults not to use roller skate shoes and wheeled footwear on public highways.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave this warning in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki said that using these devices can put users in serious danger on the roads.
"The authority noticed that more people are using shoes with hidden or folding wheels on roads meant for vehicles. This is a big safety issue.
"This is especially true when users try to glide next to moving cars, cross roads without care or weave through traffic without proper safety gear and adult supervision," he said.
He explained that public highways are not like special places for fun. They are busy and can change quickly with cars, motorcycles, people walking and other road users all moving at the same time.
"Bringing wheeled toys into such places can make it hard for users to react fast to sudden car movements.
"This can lead to serious accidents and major injuries," he added.
LASTMA strongly advises parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to stop children and other vulnerable road users from skating on highways, expressways, bridges and service lanes.
"They should also not be allowed to skate in other areas where cars are allowed," he said.
Bakare-Oki also urged people using roller skates to stick to safe places like parks, private homes or other areas meant for skating.
He said they should wear safety gear like helmets, knee pads and elbow pads to protect themselves.
Bakare-Oki reminded everyone that road safety is something we all share. It needs constant care, discipline and respect for the dangers on public roads.
He stressed that keeping people safe must always come first, adding that no fun activity is worth risking lives.
"Drivers should be extra careful around children and young people using wheeled shoes, especially in neighborhoods, estates, school areas and other spots where vulnerable users might suddenly enter traffic," he said.
He asked the public to quickly report any dangerous traffic situations, road blockages, crashes, breakdowns and other urgent issues to LASTMA using the toll-free number 3367.
This, he said, would help ensure fast action by the right responders.
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