Drunk driving arrests down while alcohol-related crashes rise

by orionontv | Aug 1, 2024 | Transportation

Why are drunk driving arrests down while alcohol-related crashes are on the rise? Bridge Michigan reported this week on some troubling statistics in Michigan that show that police are not making as many arrests for drunk driving and crashes caused by impaired driving are on the rise. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/15510731-why-are-drunk-driving-arrests-down-while-alcohol-related-crashes-are-on-the-rise Among key findings: Drunk driving arrests in Michigan have dropped 28 percent since 2014, while fatal alcohol- and drug-related crashes have risen 40 percent. Experts attribute the rise in crashes to fewer police officers and less traffic enforcement, leading to more dangerous driving behavior. In 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties, drunk driving arrests have declined, mirroring a national trend On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Daniel Zimmerman, senior director of government relations and policy for the Washington, D.C.-based Governors Highway Safety Association, talks about the problem. One initiative that perhaps holds promise for solutions stems from a bipartisan provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 24220, Public Law 117-58, IIJA) signed into law in 2021. The provision requires a new national safety standard for passive, advanced impaired driving prevention systems in new vehicles.

Public transit drivers to compete in Small Bus Roadeo

by orionontv | Jul 16, 2024 | Transportation

Michigan public transit drivers to compete in 47th Annual Small Bus Roadeo

                                                FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – The 47th Annual Michigan Small Bus Roadeo is a statewide bus operators’ skills test competition and training event to determine the best small bus public transit drivers in Michigan. Competitors must take a written test, navigate an obstacle course, assist a passenger using a wheelchair, and conduct a vehicle safety inspection at the event. The Roadeo reinforces safe driving habits and professionalism behind the wheel while ensuring passenger safety.

Who:
Approximately 44 bus drivers representing 16 transit agencies
Michigan Association of Transportation Systems (MASSTrans)
Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA)
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Corporate sponsors
Media
Public

When:
Thursday, July 25, 2024
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximately)

Where:
Bavarian Inn Lodge
1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Background:
Michigan transit agency managers, MDOT staff, and other volunteers will serve as judges. Winners will be announced at a dinner on July 25. The top three winners will represent Michigan by competing in the National Bus Roadeos held at the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) annual expos. First, second and third place winners will compete in the 2025 CTAA Roadeo in San Diego, CA.  

Event contact:
Contact Carrie Thompson, Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, at 231-709-1899 or [email protected].

Second Adopt-A-Highway cleanup coming Saturday

by orionontv | Jul 9, 2024 | Transportation

Second Adopt-A-Highway cleanup coming Saturday

Fast facts:

• The second Adopt-A-Highway pickup of the year is July 13-21.
• Adopt-A-Highway volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of litter annually.
• Sections of highway in parts of the state are still available to adopt. Go to Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway for more information.

LANSING, Mich. ­- Motorists should be on the lookout beginning Saturday as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across the state picking up litter. Participants in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) program will clean highway roadsides from July 13 to 21 during the second of three scheduled pickups this year.

The popular Adopt-A-Highway program began in Michigan in 1990 and has grown to involve more than 2,900 groups cleaning more than 6,000 miles of highway. Every year, volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of trash.

Getting involved in Adopt-A-Highway is straightforward. Volunteers include members of civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old and each group must include at least three people. Groups are asked to adopt a section of highway for at least two years. There is no fee to participate. Adopt-A-Highway signs bearing group names are posted along the stretches of adopted highway.

When working in a highway right of way, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations. MDOT provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash.

Sections of highway are available for adoption all over the state. Interested groups can get more information on joining the program at www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway.

The year’s final Adopt-A-Highway pickup is scheduled for the fall, from Sept. 21 to 29.

The value of engaging communities

by orionontv | Jun 27, 2024 | Transportation

Oakland County Applauds New SMART Bus Route 759

by orionontv | Jun 27, 2024 | Transportation

Blue Water Bridge eastbound span project update

by orionontv | Jun 26, 2024 | Transportation

Blue Water Bridge eastbound span project update  

Fast facts:

• The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) expects to complete maintenance on the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) in mid-October.
• Both directions of traffic are currently using the westbound bridge.
• Wide loads are restricted to less than 10 feet and dedicated lanes are not being provided for buses.
• Through the remainder of construction, the Pine Grove Avenue ramp to the toll plaza will be closed 9 a.m. Thursdays – 9 a.m. Saturdays.

PORT HURON, Mich. ­- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has closed the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) to complete critical maintenance, expected to be finished in mid-October. This project is managed by MDOT and will address required maintenance on the eastbound BWB span connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward, Ontario.

During construction, both directions of traffic will be using the westbound span.

To reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on BWB and in the city of Port Huron, MDOT is closing the Pine Grove Avenue ramp to the toll plaza every Thursday at 9 a.m. until every Saturday at 9 a.m. throughout the rest of construction. This ramp closure will prevent congestion from impacting local streets in the community during peak travel times for bridge users. Pine Grove Avenue ramp traffic will be detoured via Pine Grove Avenue, westbound Hancock Street, westbound I-94, southbound Range Road, and eastbound I-94 to the BWB Plaza.

MDOT will continue to provide a dedicated toll lane for EDGE pass holders.

While MDOT completes this critical maintenance, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) will address additional repairs on the eastbound span, much of which is occurring under the bridge deck. MDOT and FBCL are working closely to coordinate work and closures, reducing continual impact on commuters.

BWB customers should expect the following impacts for the remainder of construction:

• Dedicated lanes for buses are not being provided.
• Wide loads are being restricted to less than 10 feet.

The BWB is an essential economic link between Canada and the United States. This important project continues the commitment between MDOT and FBCL to maintain and preserve the safety and reliability of the BWB.

For more information:

Dave Smith
MDOT BWB
810-434-3274
[email protected]

Jocelyn Garza
MDOT Office of Communications
989-245-7117
[email protected]