Maine State Police will have additional troopers on patrol in an effort to crack down on aggressive, impaired and distracted driving during the long holiday weekend.

"In addition, troopers will also be looking for seat belt violators following a rash of fatal crashes this month in which occupants were not buckled up," State police said in a Tuesday news release.

"In six of the past ten highway deaths the crash victims were not wearing seat belts and died after being thrown out of the vehicles," said Col. Robert Williams, chief of the state police.

The chief cautioned drivers to be prepared for sudden winter driving conditions over the weekend, as falling temperatures could result in ice and snow on the roadways.

"The four day Thanksgiving weekend traditionally has been a deadly one on Maine roads," the release said. There have been at least four deaths during each of the past four Thanksgiving weekends.

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