With plans being made to celebrate the calendar's annual rollover to 2009, staff at Maine 's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are urging their neighbors to be wary of more dangerous types of
rollovers.

"Plan accordingly for weather, the areas you plan to travel to, and if you think you need one, arrange for a designated driver," said Matt Dunlap, Maine 's Secretary of State, in Augusta.

The New Year holiday is a favorite one for gathering with friends and families and reflecting on the year gone by as the new year is ushered in with great celebration.

Dunlap noted that while Maine law-enforcement agencies will step up efforts on enforcement and assistance over the New Year holiday, safe driving really depends on the drivers.

"We can't put on your seatbelt for you, and can't control the weather. Police patrols
can enforce all Maine laws, but have no discretion over the laws of physics," he said.

Drivers should be especially watchful for pedestrians, especially in inclement weather, he said. Even while driving at in-town speeds of no more than 30 miles per hour, it can
take more than 113 feet to come to a complete stop in clear conditions.

"At night, it may be hard to stop in time to keep from hitting someone," Dunlap cautioned.