Masterton driver unhurt in crash

WRECK: A Masterton man's Ford Falcon was in bad shape after he lost concentration and veered into a ditch on Kahutara Rd.

Sun in the eyes and a lapse in concentration led to a badly damaged car for a Wairarapa motorist yesterday.

A Masterton man, in his 20s, was travelling southwards down Kahutara Rd when his vehicle swerved to the left side of the road, ending up in a shallow ditch.

Police arrived at about 1.45pm and found the man had exited the vehicle himself - mud-splattered but otherwise unharmed.

While the driver, the sole occupant of the car, was fortunate to escape without injury, his Ford Falcon was in a sorry state, buckled and muddied with the front passenger door torn off.

Martinborough Police Constable John Woodward said the driver had likely pushed aside the already damaged door to escape from the car, taking it off its hinges.

"It was in pretty bad shape," Mr Woodward said.

"He was very lucky - these things on the open road could always be much worse."

Mr Woodward said the man had momentarily "lost concentration" while driving, and had veered dramatically to the left.

As he was trying to return to the road, the car "spun around" to face the road, before ending up on its side in the ditch.

"Once you hit those muddy culvert areas, it's very hard to correct yourself," Mr Woodward said.

The driver was likely affected by sunstrike at the time.

"It's a timely reminder for people to keep their concentration on the road, especially when conditions change. It's always a bit hazardous in bad light."

The driver was picked up by friends, and taken to hospital for a checkup.

Police cleared the scene before the tow truck arrived.

No charges will be laid against the driver.