As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares her 2024 State of the State address, did she accomplish her 2023 goals? Bridge Michigan analyzes the success of her priorities over the last year.
Michigan roads
West Michigan officials expanding use of wrong-way detectors to save lives
Going the wrong way? In an effort to decrease wrong-way collisions, a new detection system will redirect drivers who accidentally use the wrong freeway ramp.
New toll system should cut wait times at Michigan bridges to Ontario
International commuters traveling between Michigan and Ontario are expected to cross the technological bridge between commuter cards and new radio-frequency identification tags by Dec. 31.
Seatbelt use in Michigan declines. Experts blame pandemic bad habits
A study by Michigan State University for the State Police shows seatbelt use has decreased by about 2 percent since 2019.
Which judges, courts impose harshest penalties for drunk driving in Michigan?
Use these maps and tools to find out which judges — and courts — are more likely to pursue driving while intoxicated cases, rather than a lesser charge of driving while impaired.
Drunk driving penalties in Michigan vary depending on where you live
Michigan had 26,700 drunk-driving arrests last year, half of which result in plea deals for impaired driving. Harsher penalties are far more common in west Michigan than in metro Detroit.
Michigan law bans phone use while driving. That’s news to many, police say
A crackdown on distracted driving this week underscores that many aren’t aware of Michigan’s new law banning holding a phone, police say. One driver was working on a laptop. Another drove for miles before noticing police.
Carpool lanes coming to Michigan’s I-75
A new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week puts Michigan on track to have designated carpool lanes for the first time.
Michigan eyes change to pothole claims law after Bridge investigation
Lawmakers push to ensure that drivers seeking damages from potholes on county roads have 120 days to file claims. The bills were filed the same day Bridge published stories showing how the system rarely reimburses motorists.
Motorcycle deaths spike since helmets became optional for Michigan adults
Motorcycle deaths rise 34 percent in the decade since Michigan Legislature partially repealed helmet law. Most states also don’t require helmets.