Troopers increase presence over holiday

Amidst the grilling, boating and welcoming of summer, the Maine State Police are warning Mainers and tourists alike to follow the speed limit, buckle and up and drive sober.

Troopers will have an increased presence on Maine roads this weekend, Steve McCausland, state police spokesman, said.  Extra patrol units will be on duty not on the road, but in the sky: the state police plane will be airborne to spot trouble drivers.

In a release, state Police Chief Col. Patrick Fleming said the unofficial start of summer “sets the tone for highway safety enforcement for the rest of the summer and the State Police goal is to make it a safe one. Drivers need to avoid drinking and driving, drive the speed limit, buckle up  and expect some delays because of heavy holiday traffic."