A P-plate driver who attempted an “unnecessary and unsafe” overtaking on the Bass Highway last year was “solely” responsible for the death of a father-of-two, a columnist says.

Daniel Brian Johnson, 47, died as a result of a crash near Deloraine on February 7, 2023.

Coroner Olivia McTaggart said Johnson was heading east just before 11pm when he was struck by a 21-year-old driver who was trying to overtake a milk tanker.

Young driver Xavier Cunnings crashed into Johnson’s car as he was returning from Launceston Airport with his partner, mother and sister.

McTaggart said Cunnings should have been able to see Johnson’s headlights and could have waited 2km for the overtaking lane.

Court reports show that the road where the incident occurred was a temporary 60 mph zone with no painted road markings.

“The passing maneuver was both unnecessary and unsafe,” he said.

“His inexperience as a P2 licensed driver may have played a part in his decision.”

Johnson was seriously injured in the crash, suffering two broken legs and serious internal injuries.

He was taken to Launceston General Hospital, where he was taken off life support on February 26 as there was “no prospect of recovery”.

McTaggart said Johnson tried to avoid the crash by swerving but “could do no more.”

Alcohol, drugs, road and weather conditions and vehicle defects played no role, McTaggart said.

Following the crash, Cunnings was sentenced to six months in prison, fully suspended for 12 months and disqualified from driving for nine months.