Allen Avenue traffic and accidents

Image Source: AutoReportNG.com

By Ofili Nonso

Allen is one of the areas of the Lagos metropolis where traffic is heavy.

During the day, it is all business. At night, it wears a new garb, reflecting neon lights and nubile ladies.The location harbours  a compatible mix of social and commercial activities.

Allen is easily accessible and well connected to some roads in Ikeja such as Opebi, Adeniyi Jones and Awolowo Road. At the bus stop, one can get access to tricycles and buses and to one’s destination.

Like other famous locations in Lagos, it is prone to traffic snarl  and other problems that come with it. From 12pm, Monday to Friday, traffic builds up gradually, because people are trying to get home. By 3pm, there is heavy flow of traffic. 

The busiest days at Allen are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Besides the traffic, some persons try to constitute menace around the area, ranging from Okada riders (when they were still operating) to thugs trying to rob motorists and pedestrians. 

“Of course, accidents are unexpected, it can happen anytime. Sometimes, it is due to the negligence of our people. You will  see the light go from green to yellow, and to red. Then you will  see some ‘crazy’ people driving at high speed when the light turns red. And the question will be: Didn’t you see red?”

That was Mr. Lawal, an officer of the Lagos State Central Business District CBD, just after he confirmed reckless driving as a major traffic problem at Allen.

In addition, he said  people do not appreciate the use of their seatbelts. To him, Nigerians being “Nigerians” disrespect zebra crossings and traffic lights. “Why won’t accidents happen?”, he queried. 

The famed “Allen Roundabout” cannot be forgotten. According to Mrs. Funmilayo, a soft drink seller at Allen Bus stop, 2-3 accidents occur in a week, 5 in some cases. Just like her, passers-by and area boys who know the area too well share the same opinion about the reign and exit of the roundabout. 

Their opinion? When the roundabout existed, there was traffic, coupled with LASTMA officials and no accidents. But now, in an attempt to beat the red light, people zoom off and in the process, come in violent contact with cars from adjacent lanes. Accidents are now overwhelming. Tricycles, mini buses (korope) cars,  and dispatch bikes and their riders are  affected. 

Allen, home to heavy  traffic, is the reason many traffic agencies operate around the vicinity. Lagos State Traffic Management Agency LASTMA, Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, LASAEC, GMT (Government Management Taskforce), CBD, Lagos State Neighbourhood 

Security Corps, the police and even vigilante groups actively work there to ensure traffic is controlled amid tight security. Sometimes, two or more agencies unite to fight a common cause, crime or traffic.

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