Senate approves plan that would allow fines or mandatory driver safety courses for motorists who use a handheld cell phone to make calls, send texts or read social media posts, among other things.
Michigan roads
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s new roads plan: More money for big counties (that vote Democratic)
Democrats eye $150 million in one-time funding for six large counties and another $100 million in infrastructure earmarks. Boosters say that helps heavily traveled roads. The GOP says it benefits Democrats.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Let’s make Michigan roads safer, enact distracted driving law
Cellphones are a major cause of distracted driving accidents and deaths. Bipartisan bills requiring hands-free driving will save Michigan lives, as they have saved lives elsewhere. Please urge the Senate and governor to pass them.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan roads a little better, but still a D and will get worse, report finds
Two reports in the past week show that, even with increased spending, Michigan’s roads and bridges leave much to be desired.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Install work zone cameras for speeders to save workers’ lives
In 2021, there were more than 5,800 work zone crashes in Michigan, 19 of them fatal. Automatic speed enforcement systems will reduce the danger. The idea isn’t to surprise drivers; work zones and the presence of cameras will be clearly marked under the legislation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lawmakers look to further limit cell phone use while driving in Michigan
Michigan lawmakers are considering bills to ban drivers from holding their phone while driving. They have bipartisan support.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan brine brouhaha: Proposed limits for unpaved roads prompt dustup
The salty solution is killing the state’s precious waters, but efforts to cut back on spraying have met fierce opposition.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan wants to use cameras to ticket speeders in construction zones
‘It’s not a Big Brother thing,’ one supporter says, but similar systems are controversial in other states.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats in no rush to prioritize ‘fixing the damn roads’
Gretchen Whitmer made addressing the state’s crumbling roads a rallying cry in her first, successful run for governor. But the issue appears to be on the backburner for now as Democrats pursue other legislative priorities.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Replace gas tax with mileage fee to pay for Michigan’s roads
An MSU economics professor does the math and makes the case for mileage fees as the best way to replace gas tax revenue that will dwindle as we turn to EV’s. We won’t pay more, just differently.