Central Maine Power urges drivers to use caution and observe best practices that promote the safe operation of motor vehicles. This follows repeated motor vehicle crashes involving CMP utility poles that have caused service disruption to thousands of customers over the past several weeks.

This past weekend alone, seven car crashes affected service for approximately 6,000 CMP customers. Excluding major storms, CMP recorded 510 incidents in which motor vehicles caused an outage in 2022, affecting 186,845 customers.

“Safe driving not only helps ensure your personal health and wellbeing, but also that of others,” said CMP spokesperson, Jon Breed, in a news release. “When one of our poles is damaged, we act quickly to make the area safe so first responders can conduct rescue operations. We then work to restore power to customers who may be affected by the crash. If even a single crash is prevented, that spares our customers from potential service disruption.”

Generally, the cost to repair a utility pole after a motor vehicle crash is approximately $5,000, though that number can vary depending on the damage. A bill for repairs will go to the driver of the vehicle and payment of the bill often involves the driver’s insurance company.

“No one sets out to be in a crash, but when it happens, it can affect many other people besides just you,” said Lauren Stewart, Director of Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. “First responders and power company lineworkers must respond to restore power and clear the scene. You have one job when you’re behind the wheel: just drive “