PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A spate of deadly crashes, including one that killed four people, has marked the start of the busiest and most dangerous time of the year on Maine’s roadways.

The Portland Press Herald reports that eight people have died in wrecks in the span of one week, starting June 5 with a head-on crash in Casco that killed a mother and daughter. On Saturday, four people, including a 7-year-old boy, died in a crash in Berwick.

State officials are urging caution as the roadways become busier during the summer months. Transportation Department spokesman Ted Talbot noted that peak tourist season brings many drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads.

Last year, 159 people were killed on Maine roadways, the highest number since 2007. So far this year, 53 people have died.