Accident: Morning sun causes driver to pull into oncoming traffic

One driver was injured Wednesday in a two-vehicle accident in Union County.

According to a Union County report, at approximately 7:54 a.m. a 2016 Peterbilt semi, driven by Robert E. Reidlinger, 60, of Clyde, Missouri, was westbound on Highway 34 near the junction of Highway 169N. A 1996 Chevrolet van, driven by Robin R. Smith, 54, of Leon, was southbound on Highway 169, stopped at the stop sign.

Smith looked east but due to the sun’s glare, did not see the semi and proceeded into the intersection. Reidlinger saw the van pulling into the intersection and tried to avoid it, but the van struck the trailer and duals of the trailer.

The semi stopped on the north shoulder of Highway 34. The van spun out of control until it came to rest at the stop sign at the intersection.

Smith was transported by ambulance to Clarke County Hospital with unknown injuries.

Damage to the semi was estimated at $20,000 and damage to the van was estimated at $5,000.