Multiple people tried to help him, emergency services were called, but he died at the scene. A Serious Crash Unit investigation noted that road works were being set up at the time, and the sun was at a low angle, which was affecting the vision of drivers. Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave found that Saunders was likely affected by solar glare. “I consider that, on the balance of probabilities, this death could have been prevented if Mr Saunders had been aware of the approaching road works, had sun glare not been a factor, and had Mr Saunders not been driving while under the influence of cannabis,” she found. Coroner Schmidt-McCleave also noted that other coroners had noted many times the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 18, 2026 17:53 UTC