A TOP cop has urged road users to think about their behaviour following a concerningly high number of deaths and serious crashes recently. 

Across the country, eight people were killed between Friday and Sunday in four separate incidents.

Meanwhile, a police officer, aged 48, and a 43-year-old man are still fighting for their lives following a serious crash on the M8 in Glasgow last week. 

READ MORE: Scottish Police Federation speak out after Glasgow M8 crash

Emergency crews rushed to Junction 13 (Provan Interchange) after being called to a three-vehicle collision, which involved an undercover police car.

(Image: Gordon Terris) Earlier this month, we reported a 50-year-old man died following a three-vehicle crash in Coatbridge. 

Speaking from Helen Street police station today, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of road policing, said: “Road policing remains a priority for Police Scotland, and we will continue to work very closely with a range of partners to improve road safety for all users.

“A collision affects more than just you and your car – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“I urge every driver and road user to think about their behaviour on the road, be considerate towards others and help us make Scotland’s roads safe for everyone.

“We all have a responsibility to use our roads safely and to help save lives.”

(Image: Police Scotland) Three men, aged 21, 23 and 24, were killed in a crash on a rural road near Falkirk on Friday. On Saturday, a 37-year-old driver died after a crash in Girvan. 

On Sunday afternoon, three bikers lost their lives in a collision involving two motorbikes in the Scottish Borders. Around 15 minutes later, a 29-year-old woman died in a Lochgilphead motorbike crash. 

Referencing the tragic accidents, the top cop said: "This weekend we have seen a high number of fatalities on Scotland’s roads, each of these deaths is tragic and our thoughts are with those affected.

“There have also been a number of serious collisions. Our officers are carrying out enquiries into each of these crashes.

"We work tirelessly to fully investigate every serious and fatal road collision and provide support to the families of the victims." 

Earlier this month, we spoke with Lynn Ratcliff, the new Chief Superintendent for Greater Glasgow, who revealed a top priority was preventing road deaths.

READ MORE: Glasgow's new top cop on youth violence, road deaths and title parties

It comes after 14 people were killed on Glasgow’s roads last year. This was an increase from 2022 when there were seven road deaths.

CS Ratcliff said: "We have carried out days of action in which we do regular checks and patrols at designated car-free zones. A significant number of fixed penalties have been issued because there are vehicles endangering pedestrian safety.

“Just recently, a cyclist tragically lost her life in a collision with an HGV in Bearsden. We have carried out Operation Close Pass in every subdivision in conjunction with road policing partners.”

CS Ratcliff  (Image: Gordon Terris) Concerns were also raised regarding pedestrian safety due to a rise in e-bike users.

CS Ratcliff revealed that 51 e-bikes were seized recently due to riders speeding on pavements.

“They are travelling at speed, and they will have people off their feet very, very easily," she said. 

"It’s an issue that is regularly brought to our attention.”