A man attempting to overtake a truck has driven into the path of another truck and died.
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The 57-year-old from Hobart was travelling to Launceston on the Bass Highway near Deloraine on Monday morning when he drove in front of the oncoming vehicle.
He hit the brakes, lost control of his car and crashed into the passenger side of the Toll truck then down an embankment.
The driver of the green Hyundai sedan died instantly in the crash.
Tasmania Police Sergeant Phil Summers said another car had overtaken the first truck before the Hyundai attempted to follow.
“We will be looking at dash cams and vehicle cams, which a lot of trucks have these days and that should give us a very clear picture on what happened,” he said.
While speed was not believed to have been a factor and road conditions were “fine” at the time of the crash, Sergeant Summers urged drivers to pay attention while behind the wheel.
“Take your time, it is not worth rushing to get home, if you are not going to get there,” he said.
“Be careful, there a lot of overtaking lanes on the reworked highways these days, use them, you don’t need to try and overtake when it’s not safe.
“If his view was obscured by the vehicle in front, he shouldn’t have attempted to overtake.
“Our thoughts are with the families at this difficult time.”
The man behind the wheel of the Toll truck was not physically injured, but it was understood he was receiving support from his employer.
“He is very shaken, his company is looking after him in terms of counselling, so they are going to offer him some help,” Sergeant Summers said.
Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service and Ambulance Tasmania crews attended.
A section of the highway was closed for more than five hours while crash investigators examined the scene.
Nobody else was involved in the crash and the two drivers did not have passengers in their vehicles.
Investigations into the crash are continuing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information has been asked to contact Tasmania Police’s Northern Crash Investigation Service on 6777 3936 or 131 444.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
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