The annual hazard of sunstrike has arrived and the AA is sharing some safety tips for Otago drivers and other road users.

The months of May and June are the worst times for drivers being suddenly blinded by the sun because it’s low on the horizon at peak morning and evening commuting times, says AA Otago District Council Chairman Malcolm Budd.

On Wednesday, a crash attributed to sunstrike happened southbound on Dunedin’s Southern Motorway around 5pm. 

Mr Budd says there are a number of particularly risky locations around Dunedin. These include on the Southern Motorway at Lookout Point and Saddle Hill, where three crashes happened within 45 minutes one day last year.

Within Dunedin City, motorists driving on Stuart Street near Highgate need to be wary when travelling west in the morning or east late afternoon.

Another risky area is on Mailer Street in Mornington late in the afternoon.

The AA has been speaking to Waka Kotahi-NZ Transport Agency and Dunedin City Council about having sunstrike warning signs erected on the Southern Motorway at Saddle Hill and Lookout Point.

“It’s unfortunate the signs haven’t gone up yet because we’re again in that time of year when it’s a serious problem. Waka Kotahi has agreed it’s a good idea, so we believe warning signs are still in the pipeline.

“In the meantime, drivers need to be extra cautious and take preventative measures. Keep your windscreen clean inside and out, have sunglasses (ideally polarised) to hand, and make sure your sun visor is working for when you suddenly need it,” says Malcolm.

Sunstrike crash facts:

• The most common types of crashes involving sunstrike are people pulling out from a side-street or driveway into the path of another vehicle they did not see, or rear-ending a vehicle that has stopped.
• Remember that even if you aren’t affected by sun-strike yourself, other people may be struggling to see you, so be extra cautious at intersections and increase your following distance.
• While people think of driving in fog or snow as risky, sunstrike is a factor in more crashes than either of those.
• Across New Zealand in the last four years (2016-2020), sunstrike has been a cause in 14 road deaths, 133 serious injuries and 568 minor injuries. On average that means about 3 people die each year and another 27 are seriously injured because of sunstrike.

 AA tips to minimise sunstrike risks:

• Anticipate when it may happen and use your vehicle’s sun visors or have sunglasses handy. Polarised sunglasses are also much more effective at combating sun-strike.
• Drive with your headlights on so your vehicle is easier to see.
• Keep your windscreen clean inside and out.
• If you are hit by sun-strike, slow down and be extra cautious in your driving.
• Beware that other road users might be affected by sunstrike although you may not be at that moment. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or driver you need to be very aware of what other road users are doing around you.

For more information contact:

Malcolm Budd
AA Otago District Council chair
New Zealand Automobile Association
M. 027 5341527