LASTMA and Cardiac Arrest among Lagos Motorists

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Patrick Iwelunmor

 

Road safety and stress management have become crucial concerns in Lagos, where traffic congestion is a daily struggle. Among the factors contributing to rising health issues for motorists, one overlooked cause is the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) role. Known for its role in maintaining order on Lagos roads, LASTMA officers often find themselves at the centre of disputes, leading to significant emotional and physical stress for drivers.

With over 23 million people, Lagos is one of Africa’s largest cities. Its infrastructure, although improving, struggles to support the large number of vehicles on the roads. Traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, is a major stressor. Vehicles are often stuck in slow-moving traffic, and the constant honking, erratic driving, and impatience contribute to an environment of heightened tension.

LASTMA officers are responsible for regulating traffic, ensuring compliance with traffic laws, and issuing fines for violations. However, their aggressive approach, marked by harsh treatment, often compounds the stress already present for drivers. A seemingly minor traffic violation can quickly escalate into a confrontation between drivers and LASTMA officers, increasing stress for motorists.

While traffic enforcement is essential, many believe that LASTMA’s methods exacerbate the stress that motorists already face. Some drivers claim that LASTMA’s tactics, such as stopping vehicles in heavy traffic, intimidating drivers, and imposing penalties without clear justification, elevate anxiety and blood pressure. This sustained stress can result in more severe health issues, including cardiovascular problems like cardiac arrest.

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In many cases, LASTMA officers respond aggressively to minor offenses or misunderstandings. A driver who unintentionally breaks a rule may face verbal abuse, humiliation, or even physical intimidation. These confrontations, especially when motorists are already anxious from traffic congestion, push the body into a heightened state of stress, triggering dangerous physiological reactions. For those with pre-existing heart conditions, the combination of emotional and physical stress can be fatal.

The connection between stress and heart health is well-documented. When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for a “fight or flight” response. While this can be beneficial in dangerous situations, chronic exposure to stress can severely impact the cardiovascular system. These hormones increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and raise blood pressure, which over time can lead to heart disease and, in some cases, cardiac arrest.

In Lagos, the consistent stress from traffic and interactions with LASTMA officers has created a dangerous situation. Stress from delays, fines, or scolding can lead to emotional outbursts, which may trigger heart attacks or even fatal cardiac events.

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This stress has led to a rise in cardiac events among Lagos motorists. Several reports have highlighted incidents where drivers collapsed or suffered heart attacks while on the road, some of which were triggered by interactions with LASTMA officers. One tragic incident involved a Lagosian, Modibo Usman, who in July 2022, died from a cardiac arrest following a heated argument with LASTMA officers. Though the management of LASTMA at that time denied the report, many observers think that the agency is becoming more of a threat to the health of motorists than a solution.  Motorists, already dealing with the pressures of city life, are especially vulnerable to the health risks caused by harsh treatment from law enforcement.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, LASTMA must adopt more considerate enforcement methods. Traffic laws are necessary to maintain order, but enforcement should aim to minimize stress for motorists. Providing LASTMA officers with training in emotional intelligence and conflict resolution could help improve their interactions with the public. Officers should be taught how to de-escalate tense situations calmly and respectfully, preventing confrontations from escalating into health emergencies.

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Moreover, it is essential to educate motorists on managing stress while driving. Encouraging relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness can help drivers stay calm during traffic congestion or stressful encounters with law enforcement. The government should also invest in improving road infrastructure to make Lagos roads more navigable, thus reducing time spent in traffic. Shorter travel times would directly decrease the stress that contributes to cardiac events.

Additionally, public health organizations should raise awareness about the link between road stress and heart health. By promoting self-care, regular health check-ups, and stress management, individuals can better protect their heart health in the face of daily stresses.

While LASTMA’s role in regulating traffic on Lagos roads is vital, it is important to acknowledge the unintended consequences of their enforcement tactics. The combination of stress from Lagos’ traffic gridlock and harsh treatment from LASTMA officers has become a serious health risk, contributing to an alarming rise in cardiac events. To prevent further tragedies, a shift towards more empathetic and balanced enforcement is necessary.

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