Traveling for Thanksgiving: Drive Safe, Secure, and Sober

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety remind you that the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel holidays with more drivers on the roads than usual, increasing the likelihood of a motor vehicle crash.

The MaineDOT has released their Thanksgiving themed safety signs! Which one is your favorite?

If you’re traveling for the holiday, please be safe. Don’t drive distracted or impaired. >https://t.co/qu0iiWtQYT pic.twitter.com/lp8jJVaONZ

— CBS 13 News (@WGME) November 23, 2022

From the Bureau of Highway Safety:

During this kickoff to the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to stress the importance of Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving and Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. According to Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, 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. These deaths and injuries represent needless tragedies for families across Maine and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

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.

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety would like to encourage all motorists and pedestrians to stay safe so that they can enjoy all activities and festivities coming up this holiday season!
For more information go to www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.