Maine State Police: Extra Patrols Thanksgiving Weekend

AUGUSTA, ME — Maine State Police are urging drivers to be safe this weekend and break a streak of deadly Thanksgiving weekends in the Pine Tree State. Since 2012, there have been at least four deaths on Maine roads each Thanksgiving weekend, police said.

This Thanksgiving weekend, additional state troopers and an aerial unit will cover highways.

"Troopers will be looking for aggressive, impaired and texting drivers," State police Col. Robert Williams said in a statement. "In addition, troopers will also be looking for seat belt violators following a rash of fatal crashes this month in which occupants were not buckled up."

Williams said six of the last 10 highway deaths have involved victims who weren't wearing seat belts and were killed after being ejected from vehicles.

Williams said drivers should be prepared for sudden wintry conditions. The latest forecast calls for rain Friday and Saturday, with some snow possible:

4-day Forecast for Augusta

Mixed precipitation on Thursday through Tuesday, with temperatures peaking at 44°F on Saturday.

Wednesday November 23

Partly cloudy overnight. High 43, low 29.
Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 11 mph from the WNW

Thursday November 24

Flurries overnight. High 39, low 28.
Chance of precipitation: 7%. Wind 3 mph from the NNW

Friday November 25

Light rain starting in the evening. High 43, low 31.
Chance of precipitation: 58%. Wind 3 mph from the NE

Saturday November 26

Rain throughout the day and breezy overnight. High 44, low 38.
Chance of precipitation: 79%. Wind 8 mph from the ENE

Data provided by forecast.io.

Photo credit: Maine State Police