More lives lost on Glasgow's roads so far this year than in total last year

Several tragedies since the beginning of 2023 have resulted in pedestrians and a cyclist losing their lives.

The Glasgow Times has reported on eight people – including two children – who have sadly passed away.

There has been a decrease in road traffic fatalities over the last three years, but this year has already seen an increase from 2022 – with more than seven months left.

According to Police Scotland data, seven people lost their lives on the city’s roads last year, nine in 2021 and 14 in 2020.

On January 27 this year, experienced cyclist Emma Newman died after being hit by a lorry at Broomielaw in the city centre.

The 22-year-old student, who had planned to spend the summer climbing Scotland's munros, was travelling to the Mackintosh School of Architecture on the day of her death.

Days later on February 2, two women were hit by cars, just metres away from each other on the same night.

At 7.40pm, Chinenye Vera Okonkwo, who was standing at a bus stop, was killed during a crash involving two cars on St Vincent Street in the city centre.

The 33-year-old, who was a student at Glasgow Caledonian University, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Less than an hour later, a 64-year-old woman was hit by a VW Tiguan on Elmbank Street, at its junction with St Vincent Street.

She spent weeks fighting for her life in hospital but sadly passed away on March 1.

Just four days after the tragic incidents on St Vincent Street, another pedestrian was killed, this time in the city's East End.

A 64-year-old man died after being hit by a car at 8.30pm on Bartiebeith Road. He was walking his dog at the time of the accident on February 6.

Following the spate of fatalities, Police Scotland released a statement encouraging all road users to be aware of potential risks and for motorists to drive with care.

But just days later again, a pensioner died after a crash involving an off-road motorbike on Balmore Road, North Glasgow.

David Gow, 79, died at the scene on February 12.

The following month on March 8, a 58-year-old woman was hit by a car while she was walking along Dougrie Road in Castlemilk at 7.30pm.

She sadly died at the scene.

The tragic deaths led the police and council to establish a road safety working group.

Along with officers, the local authority's road safety team visited the locations of four incidents – but found no immediate actions to take.

However, on April 4, five-year-old Ayan Khan Nooreen was hit by a bus on Calder Street, in the city’s Southside.

Tribute to Ayan by Holy Cross Primary School (Image: Holy Cross Primary School)

The Holy Cross Primary pupil, described as having a “quirky wee personality” and “infectious smile”, was treated at the scene but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

A nine-year-old girl, who was also hit by the bus, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

In the most recent tragedy, 13-year-old Artian Lushaku died on May 14, four days after being hit by a car.

The incident took place on Balmore Road – the same road David Gow passed away on.

Artian, who was a pupil at Cleveden Secondary School, was described as “friendly and caring” by his headteacher, who also said he was loved by everyone who knew him.

Police Scotland revealed that enquiries are ongoing into all of the incidents.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Lorraine Napier, West Area Commander of Road Policing, issued a new statement.

She said: “We are aware of a number of serious incidents on our roads this year and we are keen to encourage all road users to be aware of potential risks in order to keep everyone safe.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are considered vulnerable road users and, as the better weather and lighter nights approach, there may be more pedestrians out later at night and also cyclists utilising the roads.

“I would urge everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and to ensure they are not putting themselves at risk.

“I would also urge motorists to drive with particular care in areas where people may be on foot or crossing roads, and check for cyclists on the road while driving and manoeuvring. Ensure the correct vehicle lights are in operation, and free from defects.

“No two crashes are the same and our specialist road policing officers investigate each collision to establish the full circumstances.

“We are committed to improving the safety of all road users. Everyone using our roads need to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others around them.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson added: “We have been deeply saddened by the serious incidents experienced in the city this year.

“All serious incidents are investigated by Police Scotland and the council to ensure any contributing factors are fully considered and any appropriate action is taken where necessary, such as a change to infrastructure or an educational campaign.

“Over the past 20 years, the number of fatalities and serious injuries experienced in the city has thankfully been in steady decline.

“But this does not lessen the impact of serious incidents on those who have been directly affected.

“We continue to work hard to ensure the city’s roads are as safe as possible for all users.

“Our most recent road safety plan set out the basic principle that no level of death or serious injury is acceptable.

“Measures such as a city-wide 20mph speed limit, the spread of the City Network for active travel and School Streets zones all aim to promote safety on our roads and all prioritise the city’s most vulnerable road users.

“Through our range of road safety campaigns, we also seek to target the kind of behaviours that can heighten risk on the roads such as speeding, drink driving and failing to observe road regulations intended to keep people safe as they travel."