Pedestrian, cyclists and motorcyclists are being encouraged to take extra care on the roads, as Police Scotland launches a national vulnerable road users campaign.
The number of vulnerable road users tend to decrease during the winter months due to the reduction in daylight hours and poorer weather conditions.
Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, pedal cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. It refers to anyone using the road without a vehicle around them offering protection.
If you are in a car and involved in a collision, the frame of the vehicle, airbags and crumple zones help provide protection and absorb the force of the crash.
A vulnerable road user is subjected to the full force of the impact. Drivers should do everything they can to ensure that they are not to putting them in danger.
All road users, including vulnerable road users, have a responsibility to use roads as safely as possible. Cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians should dress for the low light levels in winter and use lights/reflectors as appropriate.
- However, drivers have a more significant duty of care to other road users. Drivers should be aware that pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians may not be as visible and should therefore drive at a speed that is suitable for the conditions with the safety of those vulnerable road users in mind. Children in particular can find it difficult to judge speed and distance, especially in the dark, and may attempt to cross the road when it is not safe to do so.
More information on road safety can be found at www.roadsafetyscotland.org.uk.