The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged truck and commercial drivers on routine maintenance of their vehicles to avert traffic crashes experienced in the Yuletide.

The LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki noted that many vehicles ply the road for many activities during the Yuletide to meet deadlines.

He said the the vehicles if not in good order would cause havoc on the roads.

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Bakare-Oki said the authority had been on sensitization campaign to educate the public, especially motorists on the need to be safety conscious at all times.

“We are not resting on our oars, the ember month safety campaign started about six/seven weeks ago and we visited so many haulage companies.

“We have also talked to the tanker drivers union and other truckers too on the reason why they should make sure at all times that their vehicles are always road worthy.

“The simple tips of routine maintenance should be carried out viz-a-viz, making sure that the break system is well checked and is intact,” he said.

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He also stressed the need for continuous training of drivers for better performance to avoid the use of any drugs and speeding while driving.

“Whenever they feel fatigue, they should take a nap, and not drive. This is very important because lives of every Lagos residents is paramount to Mr Governor,” he said.

The LASTMA boss said there were punitive measures for erring drivers.

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“Whenever any of these trucks are involved in traffic crashes, we ensure that before such vehicles are released, they go through the normal rudiments.

“After paying the statutory fine of LASTMA, they still visit the Vehicle Inspection Service to re-examine their vehicles and get certified for road worthiness before such vehicles can go back to the road.

“In case where the vehicles are found wanting, it will not be released until it meet the minimum standards of safety,” he said.