July Fourth proved a deadly holiday on Maine’s highways. Six deaths were recorded for the three-day weekend, despite increased traffic enforcement by state police.
Ultimately, the police can do only so much. Most accidents happen because drivers make poor choices.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed-related and alcohol-related crashes account for most of the fatalities during the holidays. In Maine, about 38 percent of fatal crashes involve drivers who are going too fast. Another 36 percent involve alcohol.
Trying to repeat two years with no July Fourth highway deaths, the state police added more troopers to patrol and used planes and unmarked cars.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, highly visible enforcement techniques are the best deterrent to drunken driving. Citing a 2002 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MADD says sobriety checkpoints can reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities by as much as 24 percent.
Likewise, speed plays a role in too many fatal car crashes. NHTSA figures show that July Fourth ranks behind only New Year’s Day for speed-related highway deaths, and that higher speeds, along with alcohol and vehicle volume, contribute to more fatalities during the six major holiday periods in the United States.
The fatalities in Maine remain under investigation to determine whether alcohol and/or speed were contributing factors. Driver fatigue and inattention were cited in at least one case.
Traffic fatalities in Maine have been declining, but an unusual spike, like the one this past weekend, can undo months of good work and good luck. The six deaths should be a terrible reminder that choices have consequences, that driving under the influence, too fast or while too tired can have deadly consequences, much worse than a night in jail or a speeding ticket.
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