If you believe you’re eligible for compensation for highway-related repairs on Michigan roads and want to file a claim, here’s a rundown of the agencies that typically handle them.
Michigan has bad roads and a weak system to reimburse drivers for damages. There are plenty of easy solutions, like raising the $1,000 cap, extending the claims period. Is there political will to change?
Deteriorating roads cost drivers a total of $4.3 billion per year, but a reimbursement system for damages is skewed against drivers. Damage caps, deadlines and high burdens of proof mean most claims are denied.
Michigan’s new budget funds $5 million in research into a mileage-based tax to fund road repairs. The state will also seek federal grant funding for a pilot project.
The massive road project is slated to finish in September, ending years of traffic snarls. Less visible is an underground tunnel boring effort that avoided catastrophe when a silt pocket trapped the project’s boring machine.
Police say they are largely choosing to educate motorists rather than slap them with citations for the beefed-up distracted driving law that went into effect on June 30.
The rise in deadly crashes was highest in northern Michigan, but metro Detroit and the Thumb also saw jumps. Experts cite faster and more reckless driving. Look up deadly driving statistics in your area.
Michigan lawmakers included $10 million for two sections of sound walls along Interstate 75 near Troy after local residents worked for years to get relief. A statewide fix for noisy traffic could be much harder.
Just in time for travel on the long weekend, a new law goes into effect that prohibits driving while using a smartphone to talk, text, watch videos or scroll social media.
Traffic fatalities rose 15 percent in Michigan since before the pandemic, mirroring a national increase that transportation officials blame on alcohol, speeding and distracted driving.
A proposal to shift oversight of gravel mines to the state is back in the state House, pitting business and union leaders against environmentalists and township officials.
Michigan drivers will be subject to tougher distracted driving laws. Holding a cell phone for non-emergency calls, texts or social media use could result in a ticket.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on Monday that two new DC charging stations are operating at the state park. The state intends to spread EV chargers to other state parks.
The Michigan Senate unanimously approved a plan to offer grants for getting trains out of the way of road traffic. Some lawmakers believe there’s more to be done.
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.
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.
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.
