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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2026 |
PORTLAND, Maine-Distracted driving continues to affect roadways and communities around the world, contributing to crashes, injuries and preventable fatalities every day. As part of a growing global effort to improve roadway safety, the Maine Turnpike Authority is joining transportation agencies and industry partners worldwide in supporting the International, Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association’s (IBTTA) Global Road Safety Week, taking place June 22–26, 2026.
Led by the IBTTA, the annual campaign highlights the importance of safer driving behaviors and organizational roles in protecting drivers, roadway workers and communities through operations, technology, communication and public education. Each year, IBTTA partners with organizations across the globe to amplify its message and encourage safer roads for all.
This year’s campaign theme — “Put Your Mind in Drive” — urges drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and recognize that attention is one of the most important safety features in any vehicle. The 2024 Maine Driver Awareness Survey Report found that, “Ten percent (10%) of participants reported that they sometimes, nearly always, or always text on a handheld cell phone while driving.”
“Our crews — whether on the road or behind the scenes — show up every day to keep travelers safe. We ask drivers to do the same: stay focused behind the wheel and make driving your only task while on the road,” said Andre Briere, Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director. “With summer traffic picking up, we’re reminding everyone that staying alert and attentive to the road ahead is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself and others safe.”
As part of Global Road Safety Week, the Maine Turnpike Authority will highlight several local roadway safety initiatives, including a Pledge Day at its Portland headquarters on June 22, and a social media education campaign sharing reminders that promote safer, more attentive driving. The daily posts will include both state‑level and national data to show how widespread the issue is and the effects on Maine communities.
The MTA is also encouraging employees, partners and community members to take the IBTTA’s online Be Safe Together pledge and commit to safer, more attentive driving habits. When taking the pledge, drivers are committing to staying focused, following safe driving habits, speaking about unsafe driving, and choosing to lead by example.
For more information about Maine Turnpike Authority and its commitment to safety education, visit maineturnpike.com. To learn more about the campaign or take the pledge, visit BeSafeTogether.org.