Articles Tagged with Bangor auto accident

April 30, 2015

Maine Summer Gas Prices Low, Crash Risk High

Two recent reports – one from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and another from analysis company GasBudy – predicted the lowest gas prices in a decade this summer for Maine and the rest of the country.

Both indicated average gas prices would be less than $2.50 per gallon for regular unleaded gas during the summer driving season, which stretches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The cost for a gallon of gas hasn’t been that low since 2005, prior to the economic downturn.

Last year, the average cost for a gallon of gas at this time was nearly $3.65 for regular unleaded. Now, it’s about $2.40 a gallon. It’s slated to dip even lower this summer.

March 15, 2015

Maine Seat Belt Law Faces Repeal, Raising Safety Concerns

by Peter Thompson & Associates

Just a handful of days after one of the biggest chain-reaction car accidents in Maine’s history, state lawmakers are deciding whether to repeal the current seat belt law.

Title 29-A, 2081 of Maine Revised Statutes require all passengers in every vehicle to buckle up, so long as there is a seat belt available. Children must be strapped in to proper carriers, car seats or booster seats. Violators face a $50 fine for a first offense. The only exceptions are drivers or passengers with a disability or medical condition that makes it unsafe or impossible to wear a seat belt. Mail carriers are also exempt.

The new bill, LD 112, is entitled the “Act to Eliminate the Requirement That Adults Wear Safety Belts.” The sponsor is Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, a freshman senator who asserts only children should be required by law to buckle up.