Sun strike is not an excuse for poor driving, Dunedin police warn.
Incidents related to sun strike have been reported on Dunedin streets in the past few weeks and officers are urging drivers to be mindful of changing conditions.
Lookout Point and upper Stuart St are proving particularly troublesome for the many people driving into town, as the morning sun is low on the horizon.
Late-afternoon sun is also bright and low in the sky, making driving difficult for travellers heading in the opposite direction.
Dunedin road policing manager Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall said drivers could be charged if they crashed as a result of sun strike, depending on the circumstances.
''Say you run into the back of a car when you get sun strike, you could be charged with following too closely.
''Recently someone changed lanes to avoid sun strike but they hit a car in the other lane.
''Sun strike is not an excuse for not driving to the conditions.''
Snr Sgt McDouall urged drivers to anticipate sun strike, particularly when approaching the crest of a hill.
Clean windscreens, sun visors, sunglasses and reduced speed helped to mitigate the effects of sun strike.
''You have to anticipate that you will find it hard to see on a clear, sunny day.
''It's too late to suddenly realise it when it strikes you in the face.''
Snr Sgt McDouall also forewarned drivers about frosts and ice on roads.
Dunedin drivers were notoriously slow to adapt to winter conditions, he said.
''Be careful of shaded areas and gullies, because we are going to start getting heavy frosts. Slow down and drive to the conditions.''
