Michigan residents know all too well the daily struggles that come with living in a car-dependent state. Unlike cities like Chicago, where public transportation provides a viable alternative, Michiganders are forced to rely on their vehicles for everything—from work to grocery runs. This reliance comes with burdens that disproportionately affect lower-income communities and people of color, exacerbating inequality and creating systemic injustices that have persisted for decades.
While some might frame these problems as a partisan issue, the reality is that this has been a Michigan problem for a very long time. Both Republican and Democratic administrations, along with law enforcement, the judiciary, and other systems of governance, have perpetuated policies and practices that leave ordinary citizens struggling while creating glaring inequities.
The Systemic Inequity of Michigan’s Driving Infrastructure
At its core, Michigan is designed to force dependency on vehicles. Decades of influence from the automotive industry prioritized cars over public transportation, leaving residents with no choice but to drive. This reliance exposes people to:
High Insurance Rates: Michigan consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states for car insurance. For many residents, especially those in Detroit and surrounding areas, car insurance is barely affordable or entirely out of reach.
Traffic Stops and Profiling: Crossing boundaries like 8 Mile Road often means increased scrutiny, with racial and socioeconomic profiling leading to disproportionate ticketing and fines.
These issues aren’t new—they’ve been going on for decades under both Republican and Democratic leadership. Residents are stuck in a system where simply getting to work can lead to tickets, court fees, and mounting debt, creating a cycle of financial hardship.
Hypocrisy in the Justice System
Compounding this frustration is the glaring double standard in how the law is applied. Recent incidents, such as illegal immigrants being involved in deadly crashes and facing relatively light charges, have caused outrage—and rightfully so. While law-abiding citizens are relentlessly pulled over for minor infractions, some individuals who are in the country illegally can commit manslaughter, drive without licenses, and face minimal consequences.
It’s not the immigrant status itself that’s the issue—it’s the hypocrisy. Law-abiding citizens are held to an unforgiving standard, forced to pay exorbitant costs for insurance and fines, while others appear to operate outside of the system entirely. For people already struggling to make ends meet, this double standard feels like a slap in the face.
A Longstanding, Bipartisan Problem
While some may point to Democrats or “sanctuary policies” as the cause, the truth is that this problem didn’t start yesterday.
Under Republican administrations like those of Rick Snyder and local GOP leaders, the issues of high insurance costs, racial profiling, and inequities in traffic enforcement persisted.
During Democratic administrations, including Governor Whitmer’s, the same systemic problems remain unresolved.
It’s easy to blame one political party or the other, but the truth is that this system is upheld by both sides. Police departments rely on ticketing as a revenue source, judges impose harsh penalties that disproportionately impact the poor, and the car-centric infrastructure ensures that residents have no choice but to play along.
Michigan’s Residents Are at a Tipping Point
For many residents, this system is unsustainable. Families are already struggling to pay for essentials, and the added burden of fines, insurance, and legal fees only deepens the strain. Meanwhile, those who are supposed to uphold the law seem to look the other way for certain groups, creating a sense of injustice that’s impossible to ignore.
This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s a systemic issue—a Michigan issue—and it requires real solutions that address the root causes:
Affordable transportation options: Investing in public transit could provide relief for residents who can’t afford the rising costs of driving.
Fair enforcement of traffic laws: Racial and socioeconomic profiling in traffic stops must be addressed, and penalties should be proportional and equitable.
Accountability for everyone: Whether a person is a long-time resident or an undocumented immigrant, the justice system must treat all offenders equally.
Conclusion
Michigan’s driving system is broken, and it’s hurting its residents in ways that go far beyond politics. This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans—it’s about fairness, equity, and accountability. Until we address the root causes of these problems, Michiganders will continue to bear the brunt of a system that works against them.
It’s time for change, and it starts with acknowledging that this issue transcends party lines. Michigan’s residents deserve better.