Fighting Transportation Myths with Reality Since 2011, Gov. Rick Snyder has called on the Michigan Legislature to dramatically reform Michigan transportation funding. So far, attempts to address Michigan’s ongoing transportation funding crisis have been unsuccessful. Those against raising taxes or user fees have based their stance on misinformation and allegations regarding current funding, workmanship, and incorrect state-to-state comparisons. MDOT decided to meet this head on with the Reality Check campaign that includes a website, social media, videos, and fact sheets.

Straightforward language everyone can understand Each edition of Reality Check tackles a common misconception about funding, MDOT activity or other issues affecting Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. A video and fact sheet make up each installment. Each video features an MDOT expert clearly explaining why a certain myth is wrong or why the issue isn’t as clear-cut as some would think. Each new installment is added to the series website:

Reality Check #1: “Funding Can Wait” March 11, 2014 Myth: Michigan's roads and bridges aren't that bad, and there are plenty of other priorities. Reality: Many people believe that while some roads in Michigan are getting rough, it's not yet time to increase funding for them. This video examines the situation, and explains why waiting for a solution will not only result in worse roads and bridges but also a much larger bill when it comes time to pay for their repair and replacement.

Myth: MDOT has gotten dangerously stingy with salt, and they need to use more! Reality: Salt is an important tool in fighting winter weather on Michigan roads, and many people believe that if some salt is good, more is better. This video demonstrates how that's not always the case, and why in some situations and conditions using salt may make things worse. MDOT has gotten more efficient in its use of salt, but not at the expense of safety for motorists. Reality Check #2: “More Salt, Please!” March 11, 2014

Myth: Fix potholes right the first time so it lasts. Reality: Many people believe that road crews should do a better job fixing potholes than simply patching them. This video examines why time constraints mean most potholes are patched the way they are, and why a more long-lasting fix would require far greater investment in Michigan's roads than is made now. Reality Check #3: “Fix Potholes Right the First Time” April 15, 2014

Myth: Ohio’s roads are so much better than Michigan’s. MDOT needs to learn how Ohio does it so they can build better roads. Reality: This one’s not really a myth - Ohio does have better roads. The myth has more to do with why Ohio’s roads are better. It’s not a lack of know-how on Michigan’s part, it’s a lack of investment. Ohio spends $1 billion more each year on their roads than Michigan does. Reality Check #4: “Michigan Needs to Build Roads Like Ohio Does ” April 30, 2014

Coverage and Engagement

Media Coverage Media outlets statewide covered the launch of Reality Check and subsequent installments of the series, helping create and maintain awareness for the campaign. Sites include:

Social Media and Engaging Partners Municipalities, businesses, and members of the public continue to share links to Reality Check videos. Industry partners and advocates also have engaged their customers with links to help spread the message as far and wide as possible, including: AASHTOTri-County Regional Planning AASHTOTri-County Regional Planning Monroe County Road CommissionWashtenaw County Road Commission Travel MidwestMacomb Politics Blog BetterRoads.comJustFixtheRoads.com Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) The Association of Leaders in Equipment Distribution (AEDnet)

Results The first four Reality Check videos have more than 11,000 views on MDOT’s YouTube channel thanks to media coverage and social media sharing. Reality Check video and fact sheet posts on MDOT’s Facebook page have reached nearly 9,000 people since launch. Local road agencies and municipalities use these videos in their discussions about transportation. MDOT staff members show the videos and distribute the fact sheets at their public presentations. The public is becoming more and more informed about transportation issues, helping clear the way for solving the overall transportation funding crisis by focusing on the real problems.