CARIBOU, Maine — Since June 28 motorists have been involved in four accidents involving eight cars at the Route 1/Lyndon Street intersection in Caribou. The accidents resulted in seven vehicles being towed.
Laura Adams, administrative assistant for the Caribou Police Department, said speed and distracted driving were significant factors.
The first two collisions occurred as a result of drivers failing to yield the right of way, with the June 28 collision resulting in “possible injuries,” and a July 7 collision leading to some injuries, according to Adams. She said no other information about the injuries was available in the police reports.
“All the injuries from the accidents were non-life threatening,” Adams said. “I don’t believe anyone was transported anywhere other than Cary Medical Center.”
Jeffrey McKissick, 44, of Caribou, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol in the third incident, which occurred on Aug. 13 at the busy intersection. Adams said that collision resulted in “possible injury” and was the only one out of the four accidents in which police filed charges.
The most recent accident, involving minors, took place on Aug. 24 as a result of distracted driving. Caribou Fire Chief Scott Susi said the distracted driver in that incident hit the back of another car, resulting in first responders transporting two to Cary Medical Center to be treated for injuries that were not considered life threatening.
“People really need to use caution when driving by Lyndon Street,” Susi said. “When people leave that light, they’re on the gas pedal and Lyndon Street is busy, especially around 5 p.m.”
After the Aroostook Republican asked about the number of recent accidents in that area, the police department issued a statement.
“The Caribou Police Department wants to remind motorists traveling in this area that the speed limit drops to 35 miles per hour,” Adams wrote on Sept. 8. “This particular intersection can be very busy, so please pay extra attention while driving through the area.”
