NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) inaction on sun strike has been criticised as "irresponsible" after another crash on a dangerous section of State Highway 1, just south of Dunedin.
A two-car collision backed up traffic on the Southern Motorway near the Saddle Hill overpass about 5pm last Friday.
AA Otago district council chairman Malcolm Budd said the crash was just the latest one caused by sun strike on that particular section of road.
Sun strike was particularly significant in that area at this time of the year with daylight saving ending.
"There’s nothing worse than arriving on top of a hill and suddenly you’re blinded by the sun, people are braking very heavily and causing other vehicles to run into the back of them."
There had been several accidents near Saddle Hill in recent winters, including three within 45 minutes of each other about three years ago, he said.
"We think, as a motoring and mobility organisation, that all safety measures should be taken into account.
"We just think that it’s a wee bit irresponsible of NZTA perhaps not taking that on board."
AA had suggested installing signs warning of sun strike near the Saddle Hill overpass on the southbound and northbound lanes of the Southern Motorway.
Mr Budd said while signs would not prevent all accidents caused by sun strike, they would help warn motorists to move forward with caution.
NZTA did not respond to the Otago Daily Times’ questions by deadline yesterday.
A 50-year-old man was driving when he failed to stop for slowing traffic ahead.
He collided with the back of a vehicle driven by a 68-year-old man and, due to the time of day, the accident caused a large blockage on the motorway, Snr Sgt Bond said.
There were no injuries and no alcohol involved in the crash.
— additional reporting Laine Priestley
