Glare from the setting sun caused an Oct. 3 crash in which a Presque Isle pedestrian died, a city official said Friday.
Shelby Sanborn, 68, was walking west on the Ginn Road at about 6:18 p.m. when a westbound 2015 GMC Sierra pickup, driven by 18-year-old Silas Baser, hit him from behind, city spokesperson Kim Smith said in a release.
The Presque Isle Police Department ruled the crash accidental because Baser had been blinded by the setting sun.
Investigators simulated the scenario under matching light conditions, which revealed that someone in Sanborn’s position on the road, wearing a reflective vest, couldn’t be seen by a driver until they were about 100 feet away, Smith said.
Police determined the driver was not impaired and was not speeding, and there were no adverse weather, traffic or road conditions.
Baser had been on a hands-free phone call, which had ended before the crash, Smith said.
Maine State Police approved the Presque Isle crash reconstruction, she said.
No charges will be filed.
Police urged drivers to slow down when the sun is low, and said pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic and wear bright or reflective clothing.
