Police Scotland is urging pedestrians to take extra care when crossing roads during the darker mornings and evenings.
The warning follows a number of fatal and serious accidents across Scotland involving pedestrians in the last few days.
Head of road policing, Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, said: "Research tells us that there is a rise in pedestrians casualties during the winter months and the majority of collisions involving pedestrians occur in the evenings.
"This has been borne out in the last coupe of weeks and we have seen an increase of pedestrians being involved in collisions with vehicles now that the evenings are darker.”
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-
Police urge pedestrians to take extra care in dark winter conditions
20 November 2016
“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.”