After hearing about the rash of deadly accidents in Maine over the weekend, we are reminded of a conversation with a Lincoln County Sheriff's deputy during graduation week. He gave us some good advice: Motor vehicle operators should slow down, drive the speed limit (or slower in bad weather conditions) and everyone in the vehicle has to wear a seat belt.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S. More than 2.2 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as a result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2012.

“Adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Yet millions of adults do not wear their seat belts on every trip.”

We didn't continue our conversation with the deputy, because he was busy, but we were interested in finding out other factors contributing to motor vehicle accidents.

According to the drivers.com website, speeding is the second leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. In first place is distracted driving and in third place, drunk driving.

Distracted driving may include using your cell phone (talking and texting), eating, operating the radio/CD player, grooming, or just talking.

According to the website, “over 1.41 million drivers were arrested in 2010 on suspicion of driving under the influence. MADD — Mothers Against Drunk Driving — estimates that 300,000 incidents of drunk driving occur daily.”

We suggest the following:

—Slow down. Do the speed limit.

—Concentrate on the road, not what's going on off the road.

—Put your cell phone away or turn it off when you're operating a vehicle.

—Eat or drink, and do your grooming, when you are not operating the vehicle.

—Don't ever drink and drive. If you have had too much to drink, find a designated driver or call a taxi, a friend or a relative to pick you up.

—Buckle up!

According to Maine Bureau of Public Safety, July and August are traditionally the deadliest months on Maine roads because they are the most heavily traveled months.

Be safe and be aware of your driving habits.