Initial investigations into a serious crash near Henley on Sunday have found the driver of an SUV had crossed the centre line when he crashed into an oncoming truck-and-trailer unit.
The 46-year-old man driving the late model Volkswagen SUV was initially in a critical condition following the crash which involved a Temuka Transport truck-and-trailer unit on State Highway 1, between Otokia and Henley, about 8.30am.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said it appeared the southbound SUV driver had crossed the centre line before crashing into the oncoming truck.
"Attending police staff believe that he escaped more serious injury or death, due to the number of safety features in his vehicle.
"All air bags deployed, likely saving his life."
He is now in a stable condition on a ward at Dunedin Hospital.
The truck driver escaped with minor injuries.
The road was closed for much of the day so the police serious crash unit could investigate.
Snr Sgt Bond said the investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.
- A speeding driver has caught the ire of police after being caught travelling 142kmh on the Taieri Plain, just hours after a serious accident nearby.
Snr Sgt Bond said police were patrolling the passing lanes on State Highway 1, north of Allanton, on Sunday when they stopped a 34-year-old man driving at excessive speed in the 100kmh zone, about 3.45pm.
He said the driver had his licence suspended immediately for 28 days and was issued an infringement notice.
"It’s disappointing that people are still travelling at such high speeds, despite the wide publicity around the serious crash that happened nearby earlier that day."
