Maine · Handbook chapter 10 · 5 min read

Driving at night, through Maine work zones and on rural roads; winter driving and skids, getting stuck, fog, rain, hydroplaning and floods; moose and deer; and Maine rules on loads, pickup passengers and dogs in open vehicles.

Why this chapter matters

Maine's long winters, rural roads and large wildlife make this chapter especially practical. Expect questions on high beams, work zones, skids, fog and moose. Key figures: three to twelve times, thirty seconds, six inches, May and June, under 19.

Night driving

The fatal crash rate at night is nearly three times the daytime rate. Use high beams when no one is coming (they show about twice as far) and dim them for oncoming traffic and when following. If an oncoming driver does not dim, look toward the right side of the road. Use low beams in fog, rain or snow. Never wear sunglasses or tinted lenses at night. Add at least one second to your following distance at night, and at least two on unfamiliar roads.

Work zones

Orange signs, cones, barrels, arrow panels and flaggers mark work zones. Slow down even if you see no workers, increase your following distance, obey flaggers and posted signs until the End Road Work sign, stay in your lane through channeling devices and do not change lanes until you are clear. Speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

Rural roads

• Gravel and dirt give less traction; slow down and leave more room.
• Narrow roads may have ditches instead of shoulders.
• At a single-lane bridge, the first driver to reach it goes first.
• Slow on steel bridge gratings and keep a firm grip.
• Uncontrolled intersections have no lights or signs: slow down and be ready to stop.

Winter driving

Slow speeds, gentle stops and turns and longer following distances are the keys. Get the car serviced before winter. About thirty seconds of idling is usually enough before driving. On snow or ice it can take three to twelve times the distance to stop as on dry pavement.

Steering out of a skid: stay off the brake, steer in the direction you want the car to go, then steer back as it straightens so you do not overcorrect. If you cannot regain control, look for something soft to stop you, such as a snowbank.

On icy roads, pump the brakes very gently (or press firmly with ABS). If you get stuck, do not spin the wheels; clear the snow, use sand or cat litter and rock the car gently. If you must wait for help, stay with your car, run the engine only now and then for heat, crack a window, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and keep everyone awake. Drivers of vehicles under 10,000 pounds must take reasonable steps to stop snow and ice falling off their vehicle.

Fog, rain and floods

• Fog: the best choice is not to drive. If you must, slow down, use low beams and follow the road edge markings. If you can barely see, pull off and turn on your flashers.
• Rain: roads are most slippery when rain begins. Hydroplaning can start at 30 to 40 mph, and in heavy rain tires may lose contact with the road at 50 to 60 mph. Slow down and keep tires in good shape.
• Floods: never drive across a flooded road. As little as six inches of water can float a small car and two feet will carry most vehicles away. If you stall in water, get out and head for higher ground.

Moose and deer

Maine drivers hit moose and deer thousands of times a year. Moose collisions peak in May and June; deer collisions rise in autumn and peak in November. Both are most active from dusk to dawn. Deer eyes reflect your headlights, but a moose stands so tall that its eyes usually do not, so watch for its dark outline. Animals often travel in groups, so expect more after one crosses.

If a moose is in or near the road, slow down, do not try to drive around it, stay in your car and give it time to move off. If a crash cannot be avoided, brake and steer straight, ease off the brake just before impact, aim for the animal's rear end and duck down.

Passengers and loads

A load may not stick out past the fenders on the left side, or more than six inches past the fenders on the right. Do not drive with more than three people in the front seat if they block your view or your controls. No one may ride on the hood, roof or trunk, or in a trailer or camper while it is towed. Passengers under 19 must ride inside a pickup's cab, with exceptions such as workers on the job, licensed hunters and parade participants. A dog in an open truck bed must be secured so it cannot fall or jump out.