Traffic fatalities in Maine higher than this time last year | Local News [Video]

STATEWIDE — The number of traffic deaths in Maine is up this year. As Maine enters the season of summer tourism — the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is urging motorists to drive safer.

According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, there have already been 49 traffic fatalities this year — an increase from the 29 previously recorded at this same time last year.

“On average, speeds are higher and seatbelts are an issue,” said Maine State Police Trooper Greg Ramp.

Maine Bureau of Highway Safety Director Lauren Stewart says this continues an up-and-down trend in traffic deaths seen over the last few years.

She says that years with fewer than 30 deaths by early May have been followed by years with more than 40 deaths by the same time.

“Part of it is what we call the ‘100 deadliest days of summer’ — which starts on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day,” said Stewart. …