A motorist who drove his car between two oncoming vehicles - a ute passing a stock truck - walked away uninjured from the resulting three-vehicle crash in Central Otago yesterday.
All three drivers were ''very lucky indeed'' to escape serious injuries in the crash, which happened about 8.40am at Shingle Creek, between Roxburgh and Alexandra, Constable Lance Davies, of Roxburgh, said.
They were the sole occupants of the vehicles.
The ute, driven by a 51-year-old Cromwell man, was travelling south in the passing lane, overtaking the stock truck, driven by a 35-year-old Riverton man, when both vehicles were ''clipped'' by a Toyota car travelling in the opposite direction.
''The car was also overtaking traffic but the car driver failed to see the two oncoming vehicles, for whatever reason, maybe the camber of the road, or a dip in the road,'' Const Davies said.
The 17-year-old youth driving the car went between the oncoming vehicles and the ute driver moved over, taking evasive action to avoid a head-on collision. After hitting the two oncoming vehicles, the car rolled several times.
The youth and stock truck driver were uninjured and the ute driver received minor injuries.
He was checked at a medical centre before returning home, Const Davies said.
The ute and car received extensive damage. Crews from the Roxburgh and Alexandra Fire Brigades attended the crash.
Several people witnessed it and the investigation was ongoing, he said.
