More than 6 percent of drivers on Maine roads were talking on a phone or manipulating a device, according to a 2018 survey of almost 13,600 vehicles
driving
Drivers, be aware of pets
There is a farm on my road that had a very sweet dog. He lived outside with the animals and kept an eye on them. Whenever we walked by, he would run out to greet us with a little happy dance and woof. I would give him dog biscuits and pat him on the head. […]
SeniorsPlus April calendar includes safe driving, exercise classes
LEWISTON — The SeniorsPlus Education Center has announced the April calendar. Unless stated otherwise, classes are free and located at 8 Falcon Road. Programs are made possible through community and donation supported. Call SeniorsPlus at 800-427-1241 for more information and to register. Living Well with Chronic Pain: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays though May 4; instructors, […]
How fast is too fast? The speed most likely to get you a ticket in Maine
How fast is too fast? According to the law, anything over the speed limit can get you a ticket, but many drivers think they can push the limit and be just fine. When state police trooper Marvin Hinkley is on Turnpike speed patrol, he’s looking for those drivers going way too fast. “I don’t write […]
What’s an autocycle? Maine lawmakers trying to figure it out
AUGUSTA — Lawmakers are pondering what to do with a proposal that would create a new class of on-the-road vehicle that amounts to a cross between a motorcycle and an automobile. There’s a push nationally to clarify the rules for so-called autocycles, which are basically enclosed, three-wheel vehicles that operate much like a car but […]
A snowy roof may not be illegal but still hazardous
The impact looked like a cannon blast. Rob Condon had just dropped off his son at an Augusta-area day care when a chunk of ice the size of a ripe melon came flying at him from the other side of the road and crashed through his windshield. The frozen projectile came off the side of […]
Gov. Paul LePage says he vetoed bans on cell phones and cigarettes
AUGUSTA — Blasting “social engineering,” Gov. Paul LePage said Tuesday he has vetoed measures that would bar the use of hand-held devices while driving and prohibit those under 21 from buying cigarettes. In an interview with Bangor’s WVOM radio, the governor said he is “tired of living in a society” where lawmakers think they can […]
Jerry L. 'Sparky' Sparks
LEWISTON — Jerry L. Sparks, 47, of Lewiston, formerly of Lisbon Falls, died peacefully on Saturday, July 8, at the Hospice House in Auburn. Born in Puerto Rico at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base on October 24, 1969, he was the son of Julie Sparks O’Hara and the late Jimmie L. Sparks. Jerry attended Lisbon area […]
Legislators consider letting drivers make left turns on red
A bill being debated in the Legislature would allow drivers to make left turns at red lights when it’s safe to do so. AUGUSTA — Legislators are weighing a proposal to allow drivers to make left turns at red lights when it’s safe to do so. “I completely understand that this isn’t going to be […]
Maine weighs marijuana and highway safety
LEWISTON — As advocates for legal marijuana close in on a signature-gathering campaign likely to force a statewide ballot question in 2016, Maine lawmakers, law enforcement officers and elected officials are more seriously contemplating the broader implications of what legal weed would look in the Pine Tree State. Topping their concerns is a possible increase […]