Maine State Police are planning additional patrols as well as several special enforcement efforts beginning Friday for the long Memorial Day weekend. 

The Chief of the State Police, Colonel Robert Williams, said troopers will be looking for drunk and aggressive drivers, speeders and  enforcing Maine’s seat belt and no texting laws. 

Chief Williams said the Maine Turnpike and I-95, the state’s two busiest roads, will be a priority for the additional enforcement, but troopers will also be heavily patrolling the state’s secondary roads. The State Police plane will be assisting in the weekend enforcement efforts.

“Memorial Day weekend sets the tone for the summer driving season and the State Police’s goal is to make it a safe one,” Williams added. Two people were killed in traffic crashes during last year’s Memorial Day weekend and three people died during the holiday weekend in 2011.

In addition to the State Police enforcement effort, 83 other local and county police agencies, including the departments in Augusta and Gardiner, are taking part in the annual “Buckle Up – No Excuses” campaign cracking down on those who don’t use their seat belts.  The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has distributed just over $178,000 in federal highway safety funding to assist in the effort, which will pay for officer’s overtime. 

The Maine effort coincides with the national campaign called “ Click It or Ticket”, which involves police from across the county.