'It's a Dangerous Source of Road Rage in Our Community'

Several members of the Hartland community spoke during the public comments section of the Hartland Township meeting on Tuesday night addressing their concerns regarding traffic issues on M-59.

Three women, who are also part of the Hartland Moms group on Facebook, addressed the board, stating their concerns and asking for help from the Township in advocating their case to MDOT for changes made to one of the main roads in the area.

"It's a dangerous source of road rage in our community," spokesperson Melanie Bartley said. "And I don't like it when my neighbors show me an inappropriate gesture, so before anyone is seriously injured, we would like to work with you guys and MDOT and try to fix it."

Colleen Wesley, a Hartland resident who began a conversation on Patch last week about the traffic, spoke to the idea that some residents believe many of the traffic violators where "out-of-towners," specifically in regards to some intersections where illegal left-hand turns are prevalent.

"I don't believe that that's necessarily the truth," Wesley said. "There's a lot of confusion as to what the laws actually are. ...I feel we need to come together and reach our drivers, educate them and bring public awareness of what these laws are."

Wesley also suggested contacting software companies for GPS units and informing them that the directions that are given on how to navigate the road is incorrect and request that they update their software with more efficient instructions.

"What's come to my attention is that GPS units are instructing drivers to turn (left) at that intersection (on Hartland Rd.)" she said. "These people are from out-of-town, unfamiliar with the area and they have a voice telling them to turn left."

The three Hartland Moms spokeswomen also asked for more police patrols in the area to help with enforcement of the traffic laws and to request MDOT re-evaluate the intersection.

"I sympathize with all of your remarks and think it is time, since we've had a little bit of time to see how this works, it's time to take another look at it," Trustee Joe Colaianne said. 

Township Manager James Wickman explained the Township did have an ongoing and open dialogue with MDOT about the intersection.

"We re-visit it at least once a year with them to see how things are going and this is an opportunity to do that again," he said.

With a meeting already scheduled this week regarding a separate issue, Wickman said this would be a good time for "planting seeds" about this issue and and help facilitate meetings and following up to make sure the residents concerns are heard.