Transportation officials are reminding Mainers to practice safe driving habits as the holiday season nears.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year when it come travel in Maine and throughout the U.S.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety says the increased traffic volume brings and increased risk of accidents on the roads.
On Monday, bureau director Lauren Stewart said the state wants to make sure Mainers “arrive at their Thanksgiving destinations as safely as possible.”
In a press release, Stewart issued a few reminders: “buzzed driving is drunk driving,” and “Buckle up. Every trip. Every time.”
According to the release, “There were 6 fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from 2017 to 2021. Out of these 6 fatalities, 66% were unrestrained. Additionally, per the Maine Department of Transportation, there were 139 motor vehicle occupants injured in traffic crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from 2017 to 2021. Out of these 139 motor vehicle occupants, 17% were unrestrained.”
The press release also included a few tips for safe driving.
- Remember that it is never okay to drive intoxicated. Even if an individual has had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1 or contact your local law enforcement agency.
- Buckling up helps keep drivers safe and secure inside their vehicle.
- Due to cooler temperatures and potentially slippery road conditions, allow more travel and/or stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- With less daylight hours, be more cautious behind the wheel of pedestrians, animals, and other motorists.
For more information about traveling safely this Thanksgiving, you can visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.
