A day of action to reduce dangerous driving on one of Scotland's most notorious roads begins on Wednesday.
Officers from Tayside Police and Northern Constabulary will use mobile camera vans and high-profile patrols along the A9 between Perth and Inverness as they aim to reduce the number of collisions on the road.
In the past two months five people have died in crashes on the trunk road. Work to upgrade the A9 to dual carriageway in a £3bn programme is to begin before schedule.
The Kincraig project, originally planned as an overtaking lane south of Aviemore, is being brought forward by two years as part of the overall aim to improve seven sections of single carriageway over 80 miles.
The day of action falls during a three-day crackdown on uninsured and unlicensed drivers across Scotland and officers will be checking drivers' documents as well as targeting dangerous driving.
Police said crashes on the trunk road cause significant disruption to local communities and businesses and often lead to lengthy delays and the requirement for long diversions in the area.
Inspector Julie Robertson from Tayside Police said: "Contrary to some beliefs, poor driver behaviour is at the root of many serious and fatal collisions and not the road in itself.
"Taking simple measures such as regular breaks on long journeys to avoid fatigue; avoiding unnecessary distractions by not using your mobile phone whilst driving; ensuring that you travel within the speed limit and very importantly at an appropriate speed for the road and weather conditions; allied with ensuring that seatbelts and child restraints are always worn, could all serve to save your own and other road users lives or prevent serious injuries being caused.
"Furthermore you will avoid the penalties for failing to comply with the road traffic laws which are there to assist in making the roads safer."
Commercial vehicles using the road will also be checked to ensure specific legislation associated with speed limits, driver's hours and vehicle roadworthiness is being followed.
Inspector Robertson added: "It is important that drivers are aware of their ever changing surroundings and adjust their driving accordingly.
"Many different types of vehicles use the A9 and drivers can become frustrated when travelling behind a slower moving vehicle which may be complying with the speed limit for that type of vehicle. We cannot over emphasise the need to be patient and overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so.
"Many drivers of large goods vehicles whose vehicles are limited to 40 mph, and other drivers of slow moving vehicles, adhere to good practice and pull over from time to time to allow queues of traffic to pass safely.
"I would encourage any slow-moving road user who can see a build up of traffic behind them to pull in safely at a lay-by at an early opportunity to do this. Whilst this may add a minute or so to their own journey time, it could reduce frustration for others and help prevent collisions and saving lives."
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