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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned children, teenagers and young adults to desist from using rolling skate shoes and other wheeled footwear on public highways.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, gave the warning in Lagos, describing the trend as a dangerous and avoidable traffic risk.

Bakare-Oki expressed concern over the increasing use of footwear fitted with concealed or retractable wheels on roads meant for motorized traffic. He noted that users often glide alongside moving vehicles, cross highways and weave through traffic without protective gear or adult supervision.

He explained that public highways are highly unpredictable environments where vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and pedestrians operate at the same time. The use of recreational wheeled devices on such roads, he said, reduces reaction time and significantly increases the risk of collision and severe injuries.

LASTMA called on parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to discourage children and other vulnerable road users from skating on highways, expressways, bridges, service lanes and other high-traffic areas.

The Authority advised that skating and similar recreational activities should be restricted to designated parks, recreational centres, private compounds and other safe locations, with the use of safety kits such as helmets, knee pads and elbow guards.

The General Manager also urged motorists to be extra vigilant around children and young people wearing wheeled shoes, particularly in residential areas, estates and school zones.

He emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility and no recreational activity should be allowed to put lives at risk.

LASTMA urged members of the public to report dangerous riding, traffic crashes, road obstructions and other emergencies requiring urgent intervention via its toll-free short code 3367.

…For a safer and better road.