DRIVING

Here's what to do if you haven't received your Michigan auto insurance refund yet.

Michigan officials say that more than $3 billion in auto insurance refunds have been distributed to insured drivers as of Wednesday, just over a week since the deadline to issue such refunds passed.

Michigan State Police, along with a few local police departments, conducted an enforcement zone with a focus on the state’s “Move Over Law” this week on multiple freeways in Metro Detroit.

The popular car seat trade-in program is returning to Target this month.

Authorities say they will be cracking down on noisy drivers in the city of Dearborn in an effort to maintain neighborhood peace.

Michigan State Police and local police departments across the state are participating in a one-day crackdown on distracted driving.

It is a shift in mindset to be an all-electric car owner. Simply forgetting to plug in your vehicle at the end of the day could pose a problem, especially if you don’t have a quick-charge option on your route.

Here's which sidewalks and roads will be under construction this year, according to the City.

The freezing and thawing of Michigan’s winter season is wreaking havoc on the roads once again.

What Mother Nature is bringing to Southeast Michigan this week is already unpleasant, but it also happens to be the perfect storm for potholes.

It’s pothole season in Metro Detroit.

The City of Detroit is asking for the public to share which streets they think officials should put 3,000 new speed humps.

MDOT says it will move ahead with plans to build an innovative interchange at a busy intersection in Madison Heights.

MDOT says it will move ahead with plans to build an innovative interchange at a busy intersection in Madison Heights.

It’s a slow-go on Metro Detroit roads as snow creates slick driving conditions across the area.

The council believes driverless vehicles could be commonplace in the town within two years.

If you’ve had too much to drink and are in need of a last-minute ride this holiday season, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is offering free tows to people in Michigan.

Michigan police are looking to combat a rise in fatal crashes by cracking down on speeding drivers.

The Michigan Secretary of State says it has lifted suspensions on more than 150,000 driver’s licenses as part of a new law that took effect last month.

Consumer Reports released their new rankings for car reliability, ranking 28 brands based on how reliable their vehicles are over time.

Michigan drivers will soon be able to select a 2-year option for renewing vehicle registration under new legislation signed Wednesday.

One of the most exciting rites of passage for teens is getting a driver’s license. It can also be one of the most troubling for parents who have concerns about safety. This happens to be National Teen Driver Safety Week, and there is a program called “Strive 4 a Safer Drive” that is dedicated to helping teens make safer driving choices.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, City of Ann Arbor staff will go over the results of the Lower Town Area Mobility Study and related recommendations.

There have been 4,500 speed humps installed across the city of Detroit and more are expected.

A report compiled by a personal injury law firm found that some of Michigan’s most dangerous intersections in 2020 are right here in Metro Detroit.

Michigan State Police is joining a multi-state effort to crackdown on speeding drivers starting this weekend across the state.

Michigan lawmakers are advancing a package of bills that would ban most cell phone use while driving, as well as increase penalties for doing so.

Street racing and drifting have become somewhat of a rising trend in the city, with multiple videos surfacing of drivers taking over the streets. In one instance, a driver lost control and ran into Ms. Neal’s fence just feet away from her home.

50 traffic stops were made resulting in 36 total citations that were issued for various infractions that were focused around distracted driving.

As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, the Southfield Police Department is reminding drivers about the importance of seat belt use.

A man was charged with driving drunk for the sixth time after he struck a Troy mailbox right in front of its owner and lied about being late for work, officials said.

The Southfield Police Department will be hosting an event for new drivers to learn how to be safe on the road.

Several streets in downtown Ann Arbor will temporarily close between 8-9 p.m. to make way for the 43rd annual Take Back the Night Ann Arbor rally and march.

DETROIT – Detroit police said distracted driving was the cause for a vehicle to slam into a semi Thursday. The crash happened on John Kronk Street near Livernois Avenue. Police said the semi was turning in front of the driver when he crashed into it. The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. MORE: traffic news

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Drivers in downtown Ann Arbor will have to find alternative routes as scheduled road work around North and South Ashley streets will close several streets over the next few months. Ashley Street from Liberty to Huron: March 8 to May 31On Monday, South Ashley Street was reduced to one lane from just south of Liberty Street to Huron Street. Ashley Street at Washington Street: March 8 to March 20Both Ashley and Washington streets leading up to the Ashley and Washington intersection are closed, according to the city. Westbound traffic will travel south on First Street, west on North Street and then south on First Street. Ashley Street from Liberty to Washington: March 11 to March 20AdBeginning at 7 a.m. on March 11, Ashley Street will close from Liberty to Washington Street.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, downtown Ann Arbor drivers will experience longer commutes as traffic over Broadway Bridge is reduced to one lane in either direction. Lanes will be closed between Swift Street and East Summit Avenue for preventative maintenance repairs to the bridge over Depot Street, the Huron River and the Wolverine Line railroad tracks. Access to the Amtrak long-term parking lot located on the east side of the railroad tracks will be maintained. Signage will direct other pedestrian traffic along Broadway to use the opposite side of the street so that the repairs can continue. Related: Island Drive bridge closed through April 30Want to see more Ann Arbor traffic?

DETROIT – Here are safety tips for drivers from Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation:If you have to drive, drive slowly and carefullyLet other people know your travel plans, so if you don't reach your destination, people know where to look. The Michigan Department of Transportation emphasizes that this often means driving well below the posted speed limit. AdThe Michigan Sheriff's Association reminds residents that drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal in all seasons. AdDrivers should wash dirt from their vehicles and drive with headlights on for better visibility to other drivers. Attempt to "rock" the vehicle by shifting into drive and giving the vehicle a little gas, then shifting into reverse and accelerating.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is reminding football fans and community members of the dangers of drunk driving. With the Super Bowl happening on Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office has released tips for staying safe before, during and after the big game on Friday. Remind guests to have a designated driver before the event and to pace themselves, eat food and drink water. Related: Officials plead: Don’t let Super Bowl become superspreaderAdCommunity members that spot drivers under the influence of substances should call 9-1-1, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The WCSO release notes that in 2019, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving crashes.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a 20-bill package that aims to shift away from using jail and arrests as punishment for traffic offenses unless someone is a danger to the public. The bipartisan package of criminal justice reform bills resulted from recommendations by the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, according to the state. “I’m extraordinarily proud of our collective work over the last two years to understand and improve the criminal justice system,” Lt. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a 20-bill package aiming to reshape penalties for traffic offenses on Jan. 4, 2020. The bill package aims to shift people away from jail unless they are a danger to the public.

Originally, I was scheduled for court via Zoom, but this time it said to report to the court. Even when someone shows up with phone records to allegedly prove they weren’t texting like the ticket says—they lose the hearing. Almost immediately, the magistrate and officer agree to reduce it to a ticket for double parking, no points and fine of $180 dollars. Colthorp, the officer did not appear, your ticket is dismissed.”(Eyes as big as saucers) “Thank you, ma’am. Also, my next great idea is going to be turning traffic court Zooms into a TV show somehow.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor wants to know how you would improve getting around Lower Town. Community members are being asked to share their thoughts and pre-pandemic experiences as drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users in the Lower Town area, located just north of Broadway Bridge. Currently in the idea generation phase of a mobility study, the city is asking residents to fill out and share a survey to help see how growth has impacted community members who drive, ride, cycle and walk through the area. Questions can be sent by email to Lower Town Study project manager Luke Liu at YLiu@a2gov.org. Learn more about the Lower Town Area Mobility Study here.

LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Lyon Township woman admitted to smoking marijuana and taking prescription drugs before crashing a pickup truck into a mobile home, police said. Police said the caller followed the pickup truck into the Kensington Place Mobile Home Park at 60501 Grand River Avenue. The pickup truck struck a mobile home in the 70 block of Petoskey Street, authorities said. A pickup truck crashed into a Lyon Township mobile home on Dec. 13, 2020. (WDIV)A pickup truck crashed into a Lyon Township mobile home on Dec. 13, 2020.

DETROIT, Mich. – The American Automobile Association claims it has settled who is more aggressive on the road -- the data shows men are more likely to speed, tailgate, drive dangerously and express road rage. Metro Detroiters agree that road rage isn’t worth the risk, but when it comes down to who is more likely to have road rage -- drivers were divided. Data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms the perception that men tend to speed, tailgate, merge dangerously, and make rude gestures or honk at other drivers more than women. The data also found that younger drivers were more aggressive than older drivers. Regardless of gender or sex, nearly 80% of American drivers demonstrate aggressive behavior behind the wheel -- with speeding topping the list.

TROY, Mich. – Troy police made seven impaired driving arrests over the final 10 days of November. He was asked to perform field sobriety evaluations and performed poorly, officers said. He then refused to take a preliminary breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, according to authorities. She also refused to cooperate during the field sobriety tests and turned down a breath test, according to officials. A 30-year-old Troy woman admitted to drinking alcohol after the officer noticed the smell coming from inside her car, according to authorities.

MSP lieutenant believes faster driving during pandemic is factor in Metro Detroit freeway shootingsIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

DETROIT – The City of Detroit announced an expansion of a program to install speed humps in city neighborhoods and slow speed streets. The city started testing the speed hump program in 2018 as a method to reduce speeding and improve safety in city neighborhoods. Now, under Mayor Mike Duggan’s plan, the Department of Public Works will nearly quadruple the number of speed hump installations it performs next year to 4,500, up from the previous high of 1,200 this year. For the 2021 program, the city says it has allocated $11.5 million that will come from state transportation funds, as well planned capital projects that have been reprioritized. “We know this is a priority for residents, so we are making the expansion of this effort one of our highest priorities for the next year.”The 4,500 locations for speed humps will be on streets with a 25 mph speed limit.

Michigan drivers would no longer need a hard copy of a vehicles registration or an annual sticker on license plates under pending legislation. The bill's sponsor testified in a state House Transportation Committee this past week that the change would shorten lines at secretary of state branches and save the state money. The Department of State estimates in the bills analysis that the state could save $500,000 by eliminating the physical requirements of registration. Michigan State Police legislative liaison Sgt. Department of State spokesman Matt Levin said the department opposes allowing financial institutions to provide secretary of state services.

UTICA, Mich. A quick-thinking Utica police officer put his safety on the line by cutting off innocent drivers to get in between them and a wrong-way driver. Officer Jack Currie responded to a wrong-way driver early Tuesday morning on Hall Road in Utica. He said he knew he had time to put himself between that driver and the innocent people heading toward him. Youre trying to intervene and come in between them.Dashcam video shows 20-year-old Lauren Kelsch didnt see the wrong-way driver heading toward her. I just wanted to thank the police officer, Kelsch said.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. A woman was targeted while driving on the Southfield Freeway and a gunman opened fire into her car. Her family said shes only alive thanks to a Good Samaritan who pulled over to help her. On Sunday, her sister was shot on Southfield Freeway by another driver, leaving her hospitalized. A Good Samaritan was kind enough to stop and call the police. Im gonna be keeping her in our prayers and were going to be just hoping for the best, Finley said.

DETROIT Devonte Andre Burton was charged Wednesday afternoon in connection with a nonfatal shooting on the Southfield Freeway Saturday. According to authorities, just before 6 p.m., officers with the Detroit Police Department and Michigan State Police responded to reports of a shooting on the Southfield Freeway. Authorities found a woman slumped over the steering wheel of their vehicle and rushed the 31-year-old Detroit woman to a hospital. She is expected to survive, due in part because of a Good Samaritan who pulled over to help. Investigation by MSP and DPD led to the apprehension of Burton, a 28-year-old man from Dearborn Heights.

DETROIT – Drivers in Michigan are facing a difficult choice when it comes to auto insurance. New monthly savings options might look attractive, but reduced rates could come with a hefty price for anyone seriously hurt in a crash. Michigan’s unlimited no-fault insurance has previously provided automobile accident victims with lifetime unlimited care for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. That coverage is no longer required, but crash victims said it can be priceless on the road to recovery. “You have patients that come in requiring total assistance with simple tasks, like bathing, grooming, dressing, brushing their teeth,” Zein said.

DETROIT – Michigan’s new auto insurance law is one many residents have been waiting for because of the lower rates, but there are complex choices drivers have to make. The lower auto insurance rates arrive Thursday (July 2). You’re going to want to look to see if you have what’s called “coordinated coverage.”That’s medical insurance. Liability coverageThe second choice surrounds liability coverage. “It’s taking about 45 minutes to an hour to educate a consumer and let them know their options and make an educated choice,” Shrock said.