New Reports Show Why Summer is Maine’s Deadliest Season on the Roads
If you think about the most dangerous time to drive in Maine, your mind will most likely go straight to winter with the ice and snow, but it doesn’t top the list.
New data is out that is showing that summer in Maine is actually the deadliest season on our Maine roads, according to News Center Maine.
Scott Mattox, traffic safety resources prosecutor with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety says,
"Although it’s a little counterintuitive because winter has more dangerous roads, Maine sees more fatalities traditionally during the summer months. In the summer time, we have more people here and more people are taking road trips, In the wintertime, when the road conditions are poor, we do have drivers taking more care when they’re driving. Those are theorized to lead up to lower fatality rates during those months."
The numbers from 2022 to 2025 let us know that Maine averaged about 43 deaths per month during December, January, and February.
The number jumped to 74 deaths per month during July, August, and September.
Summer Brings More Deadly Crashes to Maine Roads
The reason, he says, comes down to the amount of folks on our roads. When you think of Maine in the warmer months, you think tourists.
Yep, that’s when they flock to our beautiful Pine Tree State and due to the increased volume, the amount of deaths increased as well, as per the article.
Not to mention, in Winter you know it’s dangerous so drivers are being more purposeful and cautious about there driving and slowing down.
But what are the major factors involved in these fatalities in the summer time?
Safety advocates say the crashes are caused by the following: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and not wearing seatbelts, as per the article.
Hopefully winter won’t last forever but when the snow melts and the birds start to sing, slow down, wear your seatbelt, put your phone down and stay safe in Maine.
5 Comforting Maine-Inspired Winter Recipes
Who wants to dig in to some Maine dishes to keep you warm and cozy during the winter?
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
Here Are 20 of the Best Places to Watch the Snow Fall in Maine During the Winter
Maine is home to some of the most amazing views, especially when the snow falls. Here are some of the best places to watch the snowfall during the winter.
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
More From 97.5 WOKQ
