A warning was issued yesterday to drivers about the increased risk of collisions with deer as the clocks go back.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said crashes became more likely when the peak commuting time coincided with the animals coming out to feed on grass verges.
The agency, in conjunction with Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland, is placing warning messages on electronic variable messaging signs from this Monday to November 18.
The signs will advise motorists at key locations on the main trunk roads across west and north-west Scotland, including the A9, A87, A82 and the A835.
Research suggests there are more than 7,000 accidents involving deer every year in Scotland, causing about 70 human injuries on average and costing almost £5million.
Seven out of 10 happen on trunk roads or motorways.
Sinclair Coghill, SNH deer management officer, said: “From October to December, there is a higher risk of deer on the road as deer move down to lower lying ground for forage and shelter, with the highest risk from sunset to midnight and shortly before and after sunrise.
“We advise motorists to slow down and watch for deer crossing roads.
“Be particularly alert if you’re driving near woods where deer can suddenly appear before you have time to brake. If you do hit a deer, report it to the police, as the deer may be fatally injured and suffering.”
Motorists are also warned that swerving to avoid a deer could risk a collision with oncoming traffic, and braking sharply could result in being hit by vehicles coming behind.