As April brings blooming flowers and the beginning of spring travel, don’t let distractions bloom behind the wheel. From 2021-2024, there were 52 fatal crashes resulting in 55 fatalities involving distracted drivers on Maine roadways, according to The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, in a news release. MBHS wants everyone to remember drivers have one job: Drive Safely. That means never driving distracted and always keeping your eyes on the road.

From April 9 through 13, multiple law enforcement agencies across the state in partnership with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, will be conducting additional patrols looking for drivers texting and using their phones while driving. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Put the Phone Away or Pay, with the goal of stopping distracted drivers who put others at risk.

“The driver’s focus shouldn’t be on their phone, it should be on the road,” said Distracted Driving program manager Karrie Bernier. “Nothing on your phone is worth the risk to yourself and to other people on the road. It’s dangerous.”

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety encourages everyone to put the phone away. If you must send a text, then pull over to a safe location.

Highway Safety Director Lauren Stewart says, “when you’re driving, just drive. Everything else can wait”.