Deputy mayor Alan Jamieson and Stratford District Council chief executive Sven Hanne say they were fortunate to come out unscathed from a car accident on SH3 south of Maxwell on Friday last week.
The pair were in a council vehicle, returning from a local government meeting in Wellington when an overtaking ute hit the side of their vehicle.
They then watched in horror as the ute rolled six times, through a fence and landed in a paddock.
Alan went to check on the driver of the ute, while Sven called emergency services.
Alan says when they first stopped they were concerned they may not have mobile coverage, so Sven approached a Corrections vehicle which had also witnessed the crash as they would have had radio communication if need be.
Once the ambulance arrived, Alan directed traffic to ensure a further accident didn't take place. Alan says having spent his entire working life in the driving industry, he knew what to do while waiting for help.
"I talked to the driver, checked it was safe to stay where he was and kept him talking."
Alan also has words of praise for Sven's quick reactions when the accident occurred. "It could have been a lot worse had he not reacted defensively."
Police Senior Sergeant Colin Wright said the man driving the ute was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
"The ambulance guys said it was serious but it did not appear to be life threatening."
Police will investigate the crash before deciding if charges would follow.