AUGUSTA – The seventh annual Holiday Highway Safety Event was kicked off Friday by Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky and several other organizations that promote safety on Maine’s roadways. The purpose of the event is to encourage Maine residents and holiday visitors to drive safely during the holiday season.

On Friday, the Maine Turnpike Authority began distributing reminder cards to motorists on the turnpike outlining the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as the warning signs of driver fatigue.

The Maine Turnpike Authority and HMSHost also teamed up to provide a coupon with each reminder card that can be redeemed for one cup of coffee at any Maine Turnpike Authority rest area Dec. 24, 25 and 31, and Jan. 1.

Although Maine has one of the lowest rates in the nation for fatalities resulting from drunken driving, according to recently released report from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, Maine has suffered a high number of roadway fatalities this year. Gwadosky cautioned motorists not to drink and drive, and to make sure they are well-rested when driving.