Early figures indicate that traffic fatalities have dropped dramatically in Maine since the start of the year. Compared to this time last year, 12 people have died because of accidents compared to 32 at the same time last year.
According to Lauren Stewart, director of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety (BHS), 2022 was one of the deadliest years on record when 177 people were killed across the state, including 20 people who were either pedestrians or bicyclists. It was the highest year since 2007 when 183 people died that year.
Stewart said last year’s figure continued a trend that began during the pandemic, especially involving those who speed or drive recklessly. The increase in Maine follows a national trend that saw half of all states experience an increase in fatalities in 2022, according to the December 2022 estimate by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traffic deaths in the U.S. have been rising steadily since the summer of 2020.
Stewart said contributing factors in the fatal crashes in Maine continue to be unsafe and illegal speeds, reckless driving, alcohol and drug impaired driving and non-use of safety restraints, the latter of which she said was probably the greatest factor.
What can drivers do? BHS offers a few tips to avoid being in a serious crash, including:
- Be courteous and cautious, and slow down;
- Practice defensive driving – staying engaged means being alert;
- Buckle up – being partially ejected almost always leads to serious injury or death;
- Plan ahead – especially if you plan to get impaired;
- Say something – If you see something, call 911. It can save a life.
TIP: Could this be the basis for a Family Health and Hearing Report?