Police have urged pedestrians to take extra care when crossing roads during the darker mornings and evenings in winter.
The warning follows a number of fatal and serious accidents across Scotland involving pedestrians in recent days.
Head of road policing, chief superintendent Andy Edmonston, said that there is a rise in pedestrian casualties during the winter and that most collisions happen in the evenings.
He added: “Drivers, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists should recognise that not all pedestrians are able to behave predictably, or in accordance with the rules of the Highway Code. Children, for example, do not have the road user experience or the self-control of adults. Older people and those with disabilities may have difficulties in seeing or hearing approaching traffic, accurately judging speed and distance and may not move as quickly as some drivers would expect.
“Other road users, therefore, should exercise greater care when pedestrians are nearby, and be prepared for unexpected actions by the pedestrian.
“All road users, and in particular pedestrians, are reminded that they have a responsibility for their own safety. They can reduce the likelihood of coming into conflict with other road users by ensuring they are paying attention to other road users by reducing distractions. Talking with friends, texting, talking on a phone and listening to music are all distractions that make pedestrians less safe.”