AUGUSTA – Maine State Police plan additional enforcement efforts for the Thanksgiving weekend, including increased use of the department’s aircraft.

The increased effort comes during a year that has seen fewer automobile accident-related deaths than last year, but also the worst interstate crash in 46 years. Seven people died in an accident on Interstate 95 in May in Carmel.

Overall, 175 people were killed on Maine roads so far this year, compared to 189 people killed last year at this same time.

In an effort to curb accidents during the holiday weekend, Col. Craig Poulin, chief of the Maine State Police, urged motorists to take precautions, such as being well rested, planning ahead and avoiding drinking and driving.

With winter approaching and colder weather already here, motorists should be prepared, Poulin also said. Motorists should make sure that their vehicles are ready for winter, including by putting on winter tread tires and making sure windshield wipers, the heater, defroster and battery are in good working order.

Motorists also should have emergency equipment, such as a blanket, shovel, booster cables, flares and a bucket of sand or salt. In an emergency, motorists can dial 911 on their cellular phones to reach the nearest state police communications center.

Poulin also had some advice for driving in winter storm conditions. He recommended that motorists allow for adequate braking space in all conditions, including when there is ice or snow on the road and when it is raining.

Maine law requires that headlights be on whenever conditions require the use of windshield wipers.