LEWISTON – Traffic-related alcohol deaths were declining in Maine until two years ago. In case drivers forgot the message that drinking and driving is illegal, state police will be out to remind them during the Christmas holiday season.

Hoping to remind drivers in Maine that drinking and driving won’t be tolerated, police across the state are gearing up for intensive sweeps by car and plane to nab people who try to drive after too much holiday celebrating.

“From a state perspective, [operating under the influence] remains a significant problem,” said Col. Craig Poulin, chief of the Maine State Police.

“People may be forgetting the message,” Stewart said.