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Turnpike offering free coffee to overnight travelers during holidays

Maine Turnpike Authority Logo FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2015
Erin Courtney
513-2982
ecourtney@maineturnpike.com
CONTACT: Dan Morin (MTA)
838-8613
dmorin@maineturnpike.com


Turnpike offering free coffee to overnight travelers during holidays

Turnpike urges late night holiday safety breaks

PORTLAND, Maine –  The Maine Turnpike Authority is encouraging holiday travelers to take break for safety and will treat Turnpike customers to a complimentary cup of coffee overnight Christmas Eve into Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. both nights.
 
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s website, its not always easy to tell when you’re too tired to drive.  Some signs that it’s time to pull over are:
·         Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
·         Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
·         Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
·         Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
 
Many travelers will be traveling very late or very early during the holidays and to help them stay alert, complimentary coffee will be offered at all five Maine Turnpike Service Plazas from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.  Turnpike Service Plazas, operated by HMSHost, are located both northbound and southbound at mile 25 in Kennebunk, northbound and southbound at mile 58 in Gray and Cumberland respectively and at mile 102 in West Gardiner.
 
Maine State Police Troop G will be actively patrolling the Maine Turnpike to keep drivers and passengers safe throughout the holidays. Turnpike staff also works with state troopers to assist stranded motorists during daytime and overnight hours.
 
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