With highway deaths down from last year, Maine State Police plan additional enforcement efforts during Thanksgiving week.

Chief Craig A. Poulin said the department’s aircraft will be augmenting the enforcement efforts this week by state troopers. Poulin said 148 people have been killed on Maine roads this year compared to 175 deaths for the same period a year ago.

Poulin said traffic is expected to be heavy in many locations around Maine and he urged drivers to be well rested, plan ahead and adjust speeds during heavy traffic and inclement weather.

“Motorists driving at the posted speed limit during storm conditions does not mean they are in control of their vehicle. Ice, snow and rain reduces a driver’s visibility and ability to stop,” Poulin said.

The chief said adjusting speed and allowing for adequate braking distance are essential safety factors when driving in Maine during the winter months. He added that Maine law requires headlights be in operation whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.

The chief encouraged drivers to make sure their vehicles are ready for winter weather with winter tread tires, updated windshield wipers, and that the heater, defroster, lights and battery are in good working order. Poulin said vehicles should be equipped with a blanket, shovel, booster cables, flares and a bucket of sand or salt for winter emergencies. The chief said motorists needing help can call 911 on their cellular phone and will be connected to the nearest state police communications center.

Lauren V. Stewart, director of the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, said one person was killed last year during the Thanksgiving weekend, and three people died during the 2003 weekend. Stewart said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects that 567 highway deaths may occur nationwide during this year’s four-day Thanksgiving weekend.

“That is why the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has joined state police and local and county law enforcement to strongly encourage seat belt use this weekend and year-round,” Stewart said.

A recently released survey completed for the bureau showed 24 percent of Maine drivers are not using their seat belts. That survey also showed the percentage of Maine drivers using their seat belts increased during the past year to 75.8 percent, compared to 72.6 percent during 2004. The nationwide average is 82 percent.