By Obianuju Isima
The Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has called on motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to strictly adhere to traffic light signals, particularly at night, to enhance road safety and prevent avoidable accidents.
In a public safety advisory released through its ongoing Jingle Campaign on its Facebook page, the agency emphasized that traffic lights remain a vital tool for regulating movement at intersections and ensuring the orderly flow of traffic, regardless of the time of day.
ARTMA noted that many drivers tend to ignore traffic signals during nighttime when roads appear less congested, a practice it described as dangerous and capable of leading to serious crashes.
According to the agency, night driving presents additional challenges, including reduced visibility, glare from oncoming vehicles, driver fatigue and difficulty in accurately assessing the speed of approaching traffic. Obeying traffic lights, it said, helps minimize these risks by providing clear direction to road users and reducing confusion at junctions.
The agency warned that running red lights remains a major cause of road accidents at intersections, often resulting in injuries, loss of lives and damage to property, stressing that compliance with traffic signals protects not only drivers but also passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
ARTMA highlighted the importance of traffic lights in safeguarding pedestrians, particularly children, elderly persons and people living with disabilities who rely on signal-controlled crossings to move safely across roads.
Motorists were advised to approach intersections with caution, even when the traffic signal indicates the right of way. Drivers should remain alert to emergency vehicles, reckless road users and unexpected hazards while ensuring that their headlights, brake lights and indicators are in good working condition.
Beyond improving safety, the agency noted that obedience to traffic signals promotes smoother traffic flow, reduces congestion and creates a more predictable driving environment for everyone.
Reaffirming its commitment to road safety, ARTMA urged residents to cultivate responsible road-use habits and respect traffic regulations at all times.
The agency maintained that road safety is a shared responsibility and that strict compliance with traffic lights remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect lives and make Anambra roads safer for all.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
