LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE SAFETY IN DRIVING STANDARDS

… Highlights Role of Driver Education in Modern World 

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to improve safety and ensure it is prioritised by the professional drivers operating within the metropolis through effective driver education. 

Speaking at the Y2024 Driving School Instructors and Operators Train-The-Trainer Workshop held on Thursday at STO Resource Centre, CBD, Alausa Ikeja, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi said that the State Government is dedicated to training and motivating drivers in both public and private sectors to uphold safety in their operations, adding that this would only be achieved through driver education. 

“Driver education promotes awareness of vehicle positioning, the anticipation of potential collisions, and effective responses in emergencies, these are crucial in preventing fatalities caused by avoidable accidents”, the Commissioner stated. 

He also underscored the vital role of driver education in achieving the United Nations Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021- 2030 aimed at cutting road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% in 2030. 

Affirming that teaching the complex task of driving is demanding he explained that the aim of the programme is to ensure that Instructors and Operators across the state are furnished with the necessary information to adapt to the individual needs and varying challenges in modern times. 

Osiyemi also revealed that the State Government is advocating for the inclusion of driver education into school curricula as it will significantly reduce global road accidents and create a safer driving environment. 

Speaking in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa stressed the need for driving instructors to inculcate values into drivers as the success of the State Government in ensuring an effective transport system hinged on their ability to develop professional drivers. 

Mr. Musa, therefore, urged them to train drivers on the usage of road signs and on adherence to the Lagos State Transport Reform Law 2018. 

Earlier in her opening remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu explained that the theme for the Year 2024 “The Role of Driver Education in Road Safety and Economic Development in the 21st Century”, was strategically planned in line with the state development plan which highlights safety as a booster of economic development. 

While appreciating the Instructors and Operators of Driver training schools for their support in disseminating crucial professional driving knowledge to drivers at their various schools, she urged them to continue to enhance road culture and safety on Lagos roads. 

The event, held at the STO Resource Centre, CBD, Alausa Ikeja. was well attended by representatives of Agencies under the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and Stakeholders in the transport sector.