Michigan roads

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.

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.

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.

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Motorcycle deaths rise 34 percent in the decade since Michigan Legislature partially repealed helmet law. Most states also don’t require helmets.

Bridge has investigated the system for reimbursing potholes, but it favors the state and local agencies. We know potholes are a big problem. Send us photos of the damages.

Success is rare, but possible: Here’s what to know to get up to $1,000 back for pothole damages in a system skewed against drivers in Michigan.