Thank you for your editorial (Our View: Rise in reckless driving another consequence of COVID, April 9, 2021) highlighting the dangers on Maine roads over this past pandemic year. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s new Initiative, “SlowMEDown,” offers statistics and information that indicate the issue is hardly new to Maine. A 2020 automobile analysis ranked Maine No. 1 for the most accident-prone drivers in the U.S. (Lendingtree-Best and Worst Drivers by state, 2018)
According to AAA, the average chance of surviving a crash involving an automobile traveling at 20 mph and a biker or walker is 93 percent. That drops to 55 percent chance of survival if the car’s traveling at just 40 mph. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2011)
I have had two very close calls with reckless drivers in Portland: once while walking my dog and once on my bike. Either instance could have resulted in tragedy. I spoke out about these occurrences during a district meeting, as others also shared deep concerns about their children waiting for school buses and needing to cross busy streets.
The bottom line for drivers: Slow down! The roads belong to all of us. You are not privileged above others using the roads.
Visit bikemaine.org/slow-me-down/ to learn more and join the effort to make Maine’s roads safer for everyone.
Mary Ann Larson
Cumberland
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Business
Rhode Island AG withdraws objection to utility deal
-
Times Record
New directors appointed to Downeaster rail board
-
Times Record
Hidden History Tour returns with secret surprises in Brunswick-area
-
Forecaster Opinion
Through My Lens: A proud American reports from abroad
-
Northern Forecaster
Yarmouth library to examine its sustainability practices
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.