Quick - Get Me The Number To 911 !

Only In Michigan Is A Pothole A Crime

Is it entropy, karma or something else? Just a few days ago Sam Simon, co-creator of 'The Simpsons' died. Then I heard a TV report saying that, when it comes to potholes, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel wants drivers in his county to report them to 911. That made me think of a great Simpsons scene where Homer, in an emergency holler's "Quick - get me the number to 911 !". Typical Homer.

So what's the deal? I thought 911 was only for emergencys. Well Hackel did say, "If it's one (a pothole) that just blew somebody's tire out ... it's going to blow out somebody else's,". A real emergency in his eyes I guess.

Once a report about a dangerous or damaging pothole is made to 911, Macomb County's Department of Roads would assess and address the issue within an hour, Hackel pledged.

Still, what about the reason for the 911 service? Can't we get in trouble if we use it for reporting a pothole? Here's what the Michigan State Police had to say late Thursday. They sent out an alert which reads in part,

"Please, do not direct the public to tie up 911 lines to report potholes, period. Whether Macomb wants you to or not."

Didn't matter to Hackel. He stands behind his instructions to Macomb county drivers. But is he willing to stand behind bars? According to one source:

The number is intended for use in emergency circumstances only, and to use it for any other purpose ( such as prank calls ) can be a crime in over 98 percent of locations in the United States.

Is A Pothole A Crime?

What I am certain of is this; I consider it a crime that a duly hired Michigan Ledgislature did not and will not do the job they were hired and paid to do. That is, budget funds to provide safe - driveable roads for citizens. But don't call 911 to report that !
 

Reminder: Still no Plan B. Get a Bumper Sticker.

• (For a "Fix Our Roads" bumper sticker, go to the top of the page and click on the "Bumper Sticker" tab.)

Drive Careful,
Will