Slow Down and Keep a Safe Distance
When driving on wet or slippery roads, your tires lose grip, making it more challenging to stop or steer effectively. To avoid accidents, always reduce your speed—lower than the posted speed limit—when conditions are less than ideal. Here are some important guidelines to follow:
- Drive Slower Than Usual Wet or icy roads require reduced speed to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Increase Following Distance Give yourself extra time to react to sudden stops or obstacles. A larger gap between your vehicle and the one ahead can prevent collisions.
Lane Departure Crashes
Lane departure crashes, including head-on collisions and run-off-road accidents, account for approximately 70% of Maine’s traffic fatalities. These crashes are among the most dangerous on the road and often occur when a driver drifts out of their lane. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Stay Alert Fatigue, distraction, and even simple lapses in attention can lead to drifting out of your lane.
- Avoid Tailgating Give yourself and other drivers plenty of room to maneuver, especially on winding or narrow roads.
- Use Your Turn Signals Always signal your intentions well in advance to prevent confusion and maintain safe lane changes.
Watch Out for Moose and Other Wildlife
Maine is home to a wide variety of wildlife, with moose and deer posing the greatest risks to drivers, particularly around dawn, dusk, and night. These large, dark animals are difficult to see in low-light conditions, and collisions can be deadly. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Be Extra Cautious at Dawn and Dusk These are the times when moose and deer are most active. Their dark coloring makes them hard to spot until they are very close to your vehicle.
- Use Your High Beams When driving at night, use your high beams to spot wildlife from a distance. Be ready to dim your headlights when approaching other vehicles.
Watch for Signs: Pay attention to road signs that indicate wildlife crossings in high-risk areas.