Maine Pedestrian Deaths in 2015 Highest in Past 10 Years

The Maine Department of Public Safety says more pedestrians in the state have been killed by motor vehicles in 2015 than any other year in at least a decade.

The Portland Press Herald reports state records show 16 Mainers have died in accidents involving cars so far this year.

DPS officials say there were 13 pedestrian fatalities in 2008 and 2009, the second highest in a 10-year span. Records from before 2005 were unavailable.

Lt. Bruce Scott of the Maine State Police Traffic and Safety Division says there are some weather-related theories to why these deaths are happening.

A Bicycle Coalition of Maine spokesman says pedestrian deaths are more likely to occur during the fall and winter when days are shorter and more people are walking past sunset.