Updated Carpool Statistics as of June 2012 Number of lots (2012): 242 Total Capacity (2012) 9,803 spaces Average Weekday Occupancy (2012) approx. 4,100 vehicles Occupancy Rate (2012) 42%

Yahoo! It's safe once again to drive in Port Huron.
 I-94/I-69 construction near the Blue Water Bridge is complete and open to traffic.
The $90 million investment included widening 2.2 miles of I-94/I-69 in each direction between Lapeer Road and Pine Grove Avenue and replacing the aging bridges over the Black River, which began in 2011.
There were also interchange improvements, overpass replacement, two miles of new pavement and updated freeway lighting.
Meet you at the Brass Lantern.

Why oh why do police rush to completely close a freeway because of an accident. Tonight (Wednesday) at about 11:30 p.m., an accident caused police to shut westbound I-696 at Mound Road. It's bad enough when a freeway is limited to one or two lanes, but close it completely? I know it was late at night, but still hundreds of drivers were inconvenienced. And why? Can't we just get these damaged cars to the side of the road and keep at least one lane open?

My dentist and his staff -- they shouldn't be exposed to such horrible stuff as inconsistent road work. They are too good of people. Their office is on Van Dyke, around 24 Mile Road. Of course, it's all torn up. But the receptionist said to me with such sincere disbelief: "The road workers went at it pretty good for a week -- then they didn't show up for five days." And there you have it folks: The essence of road work. And we give these guys bonus pay for finishing on time? What are we thinking?

Driving is a part of us. Especially here in Detroit. I really cannot imagine a majority -- or even close to a majority -- of people here using mass transit. (I know buses are mass transit, but seriously.......). We love our cars. Before we slide into the front seat we stop to admire the exterior. We wipe off a smudge that might even be imaginary. We climb in. I'll stop short of calling it womb-like, but it can be pretty darn cozy. We put our coffee in the drink holder. We turn on our favorite radio station. We check the mirrors. We adjust the seat even though it's not necessary because power controls are just plain fun. And off we go. Driving in the city can quickly kill your car-loving buzz. But face it, here in Detroit the traffic is never too horrible. Not if you've ever driven in Los Angeles, New York or Chicago. It's pretty bad in Boston, too. I think the people there may be too over-educated to handle the relatively simple task of driving. I was a passenger in a van in Bangkok once. Nothing womb-like about that experience whatsoever.

HELLO -- PICTURED HERE IS A PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE I SPIED IN MACOMB COUNTY. IF IT'S YOUR CAR, EMAIL ME A FOTO OF IT SITTING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY. I'LL GIVE YOU TWO FREE MOVIE TICKETS TO THE SILVER CINEMAS AT MACOMB MALL ed.fitzgerald@macombdaily.com (YES, I KNOW IT'S THE DISCOUNT THEATERS)