Maine Driver Faces DUI Charges After Destroying 200 Feet of I-89 Guardrail

Key Details New Hampshire State Police arrested truck driver Michael Tibbetts, 45, of Berwick, Maine, after his 1996 Ford LTL and utility trailer struck approximately 200 feet of guardrail on southbound I-89 in Bow early Sunday morning, May 3, 2026. The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. at mile marker 0.6. Charges Filed Tibbetts faces multiple charges including DUI, possession of a controlled drug, transporting drugs in a motor vehicle, negligent driving, misuse of plates, unregistered vehicle, and lane control violations. He was released on personal recognizance with a scheduled court appearance set for May 29, 2026. Why It Matters The damaged guardrail resulted in five-hour lane closures on Sunday while crews removed the truck and trailer. This incident underscores the serious consequences of impaired driving and the cascade of violations that can accumulate from a single traffic event. For professional drivers, the legal and safety implications are significant reminders of industry standards and personal accountability on the road.