Why speed, open roads, and rural routes could be putting drivers at risk
As the summer sun heats up, so does the traffic across New England. Tourists pile into cars, locals head to the coast or their favorite lake towns, and highways across the region begin to buzz. But if you’re driving through Maine, you might want to double-check your speedometer. According to a new study, Maine drivers are the fastest in New England.
While that might not surprise longtime residents used to cruising down Route 1 or I-95 with plenty of open road ahead, it may raise a few eyebrows elsewhere, especially in places such as Massachusetts, where drivers are notorious for their “aggressive” approach to the rules of the road, which can lead to car accidents.
What do the numbers say?
The study published in Mental Floss analyzed two key data points: the average speed at which drivers travel on highways and the average speed on commonly used roads. These numbers were then combined to get a picture of how fast motorists in each state tend to drive.
Maine came out on top in New England, with an average speed of 65.8 miles per hour. Compare that to the slowest in the region: New Hampshire, where drivers average just 49.9 miles per hour. Even Massachusetts (known for its high-speed tailgaters and chaotic merges) only clocked in at 60.2 mph. But if you ask anyone from Boston, they’ll tell you that number’s low. Blame it on traffic congestion, which is dragging down the average.
Maine might not have the most aggressive drivers, but thanks to its relatively empty highways and rural roads, people in Maine simply have more room to go fast.
Why are Maine drivers leading the pack?
Why is Maine at the top of the list? It comes down to space and culture. Unlike its southern neighbors, Maine doesn’t have to deal with bumper-to-bumper commuter traffic daily. Outside of Portland or the occasional Route 1 logjam near the coast, most of the state is rural and spacious. That means long stretches of open highway where drivers naturally pick up speed.
Additionally, locals who are familiar with the roads and the driving culture, which is generally more relaxed than aggressive, tend to lean towards higher speeds. That’s not to say Mainers are reckless. Most aren’t speeding for the thrill; they’re just getting where they need to go, often with little in the way. But open roads can lull even cautious drivers into cruising well above posted limits without even realizing it. But is it safe?
Here’s where things get more complicated. Just because motorists can drive fast doesn’t mean they should. Looking at crash data in Maine paints a sobering picture. Over the last two decades, the state has consistently experienced between 28,000 and 35,000 crashes annually. That’s a lot for a state with a relatively small population.
While speeding isn’t the only cause, it’s a major factor, especially in rural areas where higher speeds mean less reaction time and more serious injuries when something goes wrong. Year after year, Fridays are the most dangerous day to be on the road in Maine, with crash numbers consistently peaking to close out the week. The winter months, such as December and January, also see a spike in collisions, largely due to icy roads and poor visibility.
Dangerous Maine intersections you should know about
Some of the worst spots in Maine have become infamous for a reason. Locals and out-of-staters have their horror stories, and many of these intersections are deceptively simple until something goes wrong.
For example, Routes 114 and 35 in Standish is a four-way stop that becomes a nightmare in the summer, when vacationers flood the Sebago Lake region and drivers forget the rules of the road. On Route 302 and Albion Road in Windham, high-speed traffic and blocked sight lines turn even simple left turns into white-knuckle moments.
There's also the Auburn Rotary, which resembles a racetrack from above and often functions like one in practice. Additionally, Morrils Corner in Portland comprises train crossings, lights, and tight merges that create daily confusion and frustration. These intersections demonstrate the real-life consequences of fast driving mixed with poor design or driver hesitation.
What does this mean for insurance, liability, and accident claims?
Driving fast might seem like a victimless crime when drivers are alone on a highway. However, if a car accident happens (even in wide open spaces), speed becomes a central factor in determining fault.
In Maine, if you're injured in a crash caused by someone speeding (even just a little over the limit), you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. But that compensation isn’t automatic. Insurance companies often fight back, especially if they can claim both drivers were at fault.
If you're visiting from out of state and you're unfamiliar with Maine’s road conditions or legal system, pursuing a car accident claim can be overwhelming. That’s why it's smart to consult with a Maine car accident lawyer who understands the state's traffic laws and how to fight for fair compensation.
Tips for safe driving in fast-moving areas
Whether you're a local or just passing through, keep these quick tips in mind to stay safe on Maine roads:
- Know your route before you go. GPS isn’t always reliable in rural areas.
- Watch for sudden speed changes. Speed limits can drop quickly near intersections or tourist zones.
- Slow down in poor weather. Even in summer, fog and rain can come fast.
- Give yourself more following distance. Many crashes happen because drivers are going too fast to stop in time.
- Be especially alert on Fridays. It’s consistently the day with the highest number of accidents.
Injured in a crash? Our Maine attorneys are ready to help.
When a reckless driver leaves you injured, the Maine attorneys at Jabar LaLiberty, LLC are ready to protect your rights. We can investigate your crash and fight for every dollar you’re owed, because you deserve nothing less. What sets us apart is not just our experience, but our commitment.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about upfront legal fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. The process begins with a free consultation, offering no pressure and providing straightforward answers and a clear path forward. We’ll explain your rights, break down your potential options, and alleviate the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let our legal team in Portland or Waterville get to work protecting your future.
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