West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
"The West Michigan Weekend Podcast with Phil Tower is a production of WOOD Radio and iHeartRadio in West Michigan.Stay connected with the people, places, and events shaping our community and our great state by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love your feedback as well, so please consider leaving us a review!For more of our episodes, find us here, or find us on the iHeartRadio app. Thanks for listening!"
i understand's Vonnie Woodrick on Hope, Healing and the Be the ONE Run/Walk (09-20-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Vonnie Woodrick, founder of i understand, an organization working to change the conversation around mental and brain health, grief, and suicide.
Vonnie shares the personal story behind the organization, explains why connection can save lives, and discusses the support groups, grief resources, education, and outreach available to individuals and families across West Michigan.
Vonnie also previews the 6th Annual Be the ONE Run/Walk, happening Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Millennium Park.
Presented by i understand and honoring founding partner ...
Finding Hope in Your Most Difficult Relationships with Rev. Tanner Smith from the Colossian Forum (09-20-26)
Difficult relationships can leave us feeling defensive, frustrated, or simply stuck.
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith, Chief of Consulting and Culture at the Grand Rapids-based Colossian Forum, to discuss The Beholding Workbook—a new 56-page resource for approaching conflict and strained relationships with greater curiosity, compassion, and wisdom.
Tanner explains how slowing down can interrupt reactive patterns, why “beholding” another person goes beyond simply listening, and how compassion can coexist with healthy boundaries. He also shares how the workbook’s Christian foundation can offe...
School Bus Safety 2026: Michigan Auto Law's Brandon Hewitt on What Every Michigan Driver Should Know(09-13-26)
As students across West Michigan head back to school, drivers are once again sharing the road with school buses, crossing guards, and children walking or biking to class.Â
On this episode, Phil Tower speaks with Brandon Hewitt, COO and attorney at Michigan Auto Law, about the rules every driver should know when approaching a stopped school bus.Â
We discuss flashing red and yellow lights, divided-road requirements, penalties for illegally passing a bus, and Michigan’s expanded use of school-bus stop-arm cameras.Â
Brandon also shares important safety reminders for drivers, parents, and children during morni...
Prescription Relief: How Trinity Health's Dispensary of Hope Is Helping Grand Rapids Patients (09-06-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Carmen Docter, Manager of Retail and Specialty Pharmacies at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, about a new partnership with Dispensary of Hope, a nonprofit helping qualifying uninsured and financially challenged patients access prescription medications at no cost.
Carmen shares with us who qualifies, what types of medications are available, and how patients can access the program through Trinity Health Pharmacy – Roosevelt Park in Grand Rapids. The conversation also addresses the real impact of rising prescription costs and what options may be available for peo...
Faith for a New Generation: Jeff Cavins on the new Great Adventure Catholic Bible (09-06-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with internationally known author, speaker, and Bible educator Jeff Cavins about his newest project, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young Beginners. Cavins discusses why introducing children to Scripture at an early age matters, how the new Bible makes the larger biblical story accessible to young readers, and the enduring lessons of resilience, forgiveness, courage, hope, and compassion found in its stories.
Our conversation also explores Jeff Cavins’ work helping people understand the “big picture” of the Bible, as well as Ascension’s newÂ
A Season of Hope: Transforming Lives at Mel Trotter Ministries (08-30-26)
For more than a century, Mel Trotter Ministries has served people experiencing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan, providing not only immediate assistance but pathways toward greater stability and transformed lives.
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, for a conversation about the organization’s mission, the realities of homelessness in our community, and the work being done every day to help individuals move toward housing, employment, and renewed hope.
Chris also previews Mel Trotter Mi...
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Staying Safe This Labor Day and Beyond (08-30-26)
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and one of the busiest travel periods of the year—but it can also be a particularly dangerous time on Michigan roads. As drivers prepare for the holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at preventing impaired-driving crashes and saving lives.
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Alicia Sledge, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, about the realities of...
Charging 2.0: Karl Bloss On Why EV Road Trips Are Getting Easier (08-23-26)
Electric vehicles and the infrastructure supporting them are changing quickly.
On this episode of iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back EV expert Karl Bloss, host of the Zero E Michigan YouTube channel, for an update on the state of electric vehicles in 2026.
Karl explains the rise of “Charging 2.0,” as major retailers and travel centers invest in EV charging, along with the impact of Tesla opening much of its Supercharger network to drivers of other EV brands.
They also discuss whether range anxiety is becoming a thing of the...
Searching for Meaning: Why the Catholic Faith Is Resonating with a New Generation (08-16-26)
Why are some young adults choosing a life of faith and service in an age of seemingly limitless career options?
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower sits down with Father Nick Baker, Associate Director of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and Father Charlie Leidel, one of the Grand Rapids Diocese's newest priests, to explore their personal journeys, the calling to the priesthood, and the renewed interest many young people are showing in faith today.Â
The conversation goes beyond r...
Business with Heart: Gardner White's New West Michigan Story (08-16-26)
Michigan-based furniture retailer Gardner White is making history with its first-ever West Michigan location, and in this episode of West Michigan Weekend, CEO Rachel Stewart joins host Phil Tower to discuss what this milestone means for the company and the Grand Rapids community.
Founded in Detroit in 1912, the fourth-generation family-owned business is bringing its customer-focused approach, expansive showroom, and personalized design services to West Michigan for the very first time.
Rachel also shares how Gardner White is pairing business growth with community impact through...
Why Data Centers Are Coming to Michigan—and What It Means for You (08-09-26)
Data Centers Are Coming to Michigan—Is the State Ready? Artificial intelligence is fueling a boom in massive data centers, and Michigan has quickly become one of the nation's hottest destinations for these billion-dollar developments. But what do these projects mean for local communities, energy costs, jobs, taxes, and the environment?
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, investigative reporter Lucas Smolcic Larson of MLive joins us to explain why data centers are expanding across the state, the opportunities they present, and the important questions policymakers and residents are asking as Michigan prepares for an...
Traverse City Food & Wine Festival Returns with New Flavors, New Events & More (08-09-26)
In this updated conversation, Phil Tower welcomes back Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer for Traverse City Tourism, with the latest on the second annual Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, happening August 19–23.
Whitney shares exciting new additions to this year's festival lineup, highlights signature events such as The Grand Tasting, and offers insider tips for planning the perfect late-summer getaway to one of Michigan's premier culinary destinations.
From award-winning chefs and world-class wines to unique tasting experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay, discover why this five-day celebration is...
Your Fellow Americans: Author Peter Santenello on Curiosity, Connection & Common Ground (08-01-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes independent journalist, filmmaker, and one of YouTube's most compelling storytellers (he has 4.3 million subscribers!), Peter Santenello, whose millions of followers have joined him on journeys into overlooked communities across the United States.
Peter discusses his new book, Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home, and shares what years of authentic conversations—from remote Alaskan villages and Amish communities to small towns and big cities—have taught him about curiosity, human connection, and the importance of listen...
Inside the First West Michigan Housing Summit with Housing Next's Jen Radaz (08-01-26)
Housing affects everyone—whether you're renting, buying your first home, raising a family, or hoping the next generation can afford to stay in West Michigan.
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Jen Radaz, Senior Manager at Housing Next, about the growing housing challenges facing communities across the region and the collaborative efforts underway to address them.
During our conversation we discuss the inaugural West Michigan Housing Summit, bringing together housing leaders, developers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore practical solutions for affordability, availability, and long-term regional gr...
How the Democrats Screwed Bernie: Political Strategist Tad Devine on Democracy, Power & Trust (07-26-26)
What really happened behind the scenes during Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign? Veteran political strategist Tad Devine, Sanders' chief strategist, joins West Michigan Weekend with host Phil Tower to discuss his new book, How the Democrats Screwed Bernie.
Devine reflects on the forces that shaped one of the most surprising campaigns in modern political history, the role of money and party politics, declining public trust in American institutions, and what the lessons of 2016 still mean for democracy today.
Whether you're a political junkie or simply interested in how our electoral system works, this insightful and...
Michigan Made: Celebrating 30 Years of Grand Traverse Pie Company (07-26-26)
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Busley, co-founder of Grand Traverse Pie Company.
Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrating 30 years of handcrafted pies, made-from-scratch comfort food, and strong Michigan roots, and that's why we caught up with Mike Busley to have him share the remarkable story of how he and his wife Denise built one of Michigan's most beloved brands—from a single Traverse City pie shop to a company serving customers across the country.
Among the many topics we discuss, Mike talks with pride about the company's commitment to Michigan farmers, it...
Inside Michigan's Election Process: A Conversation with Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons (07-18-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Lisa Posthumus Lyons, about everything voters need to know before heading to the polls.
From early voting and absentee ballots to voter ID requirements, election security, and important deadlines, Lisa offers practical, nonpartisan guidance to help Kent County—and all Michigan voters—cast their ballots with confidence.
Whether you're a first-time voter or a longtime participant in the democratic process, this conversation will help you prepare for the upcoming elections.
Election date...
Can the Church Heal? Author Skot Welch on Unity, Diversity & Mending Sunday (07-11-26)
Can Christians disagree without becoming divided? Author Skot Welch joins Phil Tower to discuss his new book, Mending Sunday, exploring how churches can embrace diversity, strengthen unity, and build healthier communities through grace, understanding, and meaningful relationships.
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes author Skot Welch to discuss his latest book, Mending Sunday: Embracing Differences in a Church Torn by Division.
As churches and communities continue to navigate deep cultural and political divides, Welch explores why unity doesn't r...
From Big Ideas to Big Growth: Inside Start Garden's Reimagined "The 100" (07-04-26)
What does it take to turn a great idea into a successful business?
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Paul Moore, Co-Director of Start Garden, about the complete reimagining of The 100—West Michigan's longtime entrepreneurial competition that has helped launch hundreds of businesses over the past 13 years.
This year's competition features more than $500,000 in funding opportunities, expanded investment partners, and a new approach that welcomes businesses at every stage of growth.
The 100 is evolving far beyond a traditional pitch comp...
Tasting Traverse City: Inside Northern Michigan's Premier Food & Wine Festival (07-04-26)
Northern Michigan's rich agricultural heritage, award-winning wineries, acclaimed chefs, and stunning waterfront setting all come together for one unforgettable celebration.
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism, to preview the second annual Traverse City Food & Wine Festival happening August 19–23.
Whitney shares how the festival has grown in just its second year into a five-day culinary showcase featuring vineyard tours, chef-led dinners, cooking demonstrations, farm experiences, wine and whiskey tastings, sailing excursions, and conversations with celebrated authors.
Fueling the Supply: The Red Cross and Michigan Ford Dealers Partner for Critical Blood Drives (06-27-26)
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Tony Gerheiser, Executive Director of the West Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross.
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Tony joins us on this episode to talk about the West Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross and their Roll Up & Give campaign in partnership with Neighborhood Michigan Ford Dealers.
Tony explains why blood donations often decline during the summer months, how donated blood helps accident victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and others facing medical emergencies, and why c...
Rx Kids and the Future of Family Support: Helping Michigan Moms and Babies Thrive (6-21-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Alyssa Stewart, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships for Rx Kids.
Alyssa joins us on the program to discuss Rx Kids, a groundbreaking program that is helping families across Michigan build stronger financial foundations during pregnancy and early childhood.
Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, providing direct financial support to expectant mothers and families with newborns. Alyssa shares with us how eligible mothers receive a one-time payment during pregnancy, followed by monthly payments afte...
From West Michigan to the World: Podcast Host Meena Ariagno on Curiosity, Culture & Connection (06-21-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Meena Ariagno, creator and host of Eavesdrop with Meena, a locally produced podcast with a global perspective that encourages thoughtful dialogue, curiosity, and respectful conversation across cultural, political, and spiritual divides.
Meena shares the story behind her podcast, which began as a passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown into a platform dedicated to promoting the common good and restoring civil discourse at a time when meaningful conversation can often feel in short supply.
She discusses how her gl...
The Future of Higher Education in Michigan: A Conversation with WMU President Russ Kavalhuna (06-14-26)
What does the future of higher education look like in Michigan—and why does it still matter?
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, the 10th president of Western Michigan University, to discuss his unique journey from commercial airline captain and federal prosecutor to university president, and his vision for one of Michigan’s leading public universities.
Kavalhuna shares what inspired his early passion for aviation, the experiences that led him into higher education leadership, and the priorities guiding his presidency since taking office in July...
Author Dave Eggers on Contrapposto: Art, Friendship, and a Lifetime of Creativity (06-07-26)
On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes artist and designer turned best-selling author, Dave Eggers, for a conversation about his new novel, Contrapposto.
Known for bestselling and critically acclaimed works, including his groundbreaking debut, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and What Is the What, Eggers joins the program to explore the inspiration behind Contrapposto, a sweeping story that follows the lifelong friendship of Cricket Dib and Olympia Argyros across six decades of art, ambition, creativity, and personal transformation.
During our conversation, Eggers discusses the novel’s unique title—borrowed from the class...
Morphine and Malts: Natasha Warren's Journey Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go (06-07-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes West Michigan author Natasha Warren to discuss her deeply personal memoir, Morphine and Malts: A Daughter's Path Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go.
Warren's book chronicles the 105 days between her father John's terminal cancer diagnosis and his passing, offering an honest and heartfelt look at the realities of caregiving, grief, family relationships, and finding moments of grace during life's most difficult seasons.
She also shares how she navigated the sudden transition into the role of caregiver, the challenges of supporting a...
Championship Fields & Economic Yields: The Future of West Michigan Sports Tourism (05-31-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission, for a conversation about the continued growth and regional impact of the West Michigan Sports Commission and the exciting expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford.
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Mike shares news about the official opening of four new championship softball fields at the Meijer Sports Complex, part of a major expansion project designed to support the growing demand for youth and amateur sports tourism in West Michigan.
Our conversation highlights how the...
The bigLITTLE Legacy: How the Laing Brothers Built a Hand-Crafted Michigan Wine Brand (05-31-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower brings you an on-location conversation with Michael and Peter Laing, co-founders and co-owners of bigLITTLE Wines, based in Leelanau County, Michigan.
The Laing brothers share their personal story behind their family’s journey into winemaking, which began in 2002 when their parents relocated to the Suttons Bay area and planted two vineyards.Â
Michael and Peter discuss growing up around the vineyards, balancing outside jobs in the early years, and eventually returning to Northern Michigan to help build what would become the bigLITTLE Wines brand...
Attorney Tom Sinas On The Positive Impact of The Annual Lids for Kids Bike Helmet Giveaway (05-24-26)
In this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes attorney and community advocate Tom Sinas, partner at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Tom shares details about the annual Lids for Kids bike safety event happening Saturday, May 30, at Garfield Park in Grand Rapids.
Families attending the free event can receive professionally fitted bike helmets for children, along with bike safety education, games, giveaways, and the chance to win free bicycles.Â
Our conversation also highlights the importance of helmet use and the real impac...
Healing Trauma Through Neuroscience: Chip & Lisa St. Clair on the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (05-24-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Chip and Lisa St. Clair, founders of the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, for a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, and transforming lives through neuroscience-informed care.
Our conversation explores the deeply personal story that inspired the foundation’s mission, including Chip St. Clair’s extraordinary childhood experience surviving while on the run with his father, a convicted serial child killer.Â
From that trauma emerged a national nonprofit dedicated to helping young people, educators, and com...
From Van Andel to Acrisure Amphitheater: The Curtain Rises on Grand Rapids’ Next Big Stage (05-17-26)
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Rich MacKeigan, one of the key figures helping shape the future of entertainment, sports, and live events in downtown Grand Rapids.
As General Manager overseeing Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall, the brand-new Acrisure Amphitheater, and the future Amway Stadium, MacKeigan offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most transformational moments in West Michigan’s entertainment landscape.
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The conversation happens just days after the official opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater on...
The Power of Creating Connection Through Art with Meijer Gardens CEO Charles Burke (05-10-26)
This week on iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Charles Burke, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, about the powerful role art, culture, and nature can play in helping communities reconnect and heal during challenging times.
Burke reflects on his first three years leading Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, recently recognized for the third consecutive year as the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today readers.Â
Our conversation also explores Burke’s recent column, “What the World Needs Now: How Art, Culture, and Nature Can Help Hea...
From Service to Community Connection: The Positive Impact of Armed Forces Thanksgiving (05-03-26)
West Michigan is coming together once again to honor those who’ve served—and to strengthen the bonds that connect our community.
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Joe DiBenedetto, co-chair of Armed Forces Thanksgiving, and Adam Lancto, Principal at Grandville High School and board member, to explore the mission and impact of this powerful annual event.
Returning May 15 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, Armed Forces Thanksgiving brings together veterans, students, and community leaders for a meaningful shared expe...
Small Biz, Big Impact: Previewing West Michigan’s First Small Biz Week! (05-03-26)
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Jenny Waugh, Vice President of Economic Growth at the Grand Rapids Chamber, to preview the inaugural Small Biz Week West Michigan.
Kicking off Monday, May 4, at GLC Live in downtown Grand Rapids, this first-of-its-kind regional initiative is designed to support, connect, and inspire small businesses.
Jenny shares how the Chamber and its partners are building momentum around entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth across the region.
The week begins with a high-energy kickoff event featuring keynote speaker Gina Thorsen, the first f...
From Dams to Rapids: Inside Grand Rapids WhiteWater's $45M Transformation of the Grand River(04-26-26)
What if Grand Rapids could reconnect with the very natural feature that gave the city its name?
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Matt Chapman, Executive Director of Grand Rapids WhiteWater, to explore a bold and long-awaited effort to restore the historic rapids to the Grand River.
For nearly a century, those rapids have been hidden beneath dams and development.
Now, a transformative project is underway to remove outdated low-head dams and reintroduce natural rock formations—restoring the river’s flow while improving safety, revita...
From Broken to Becoming: Reclaiming Hope in Life’s Hardest Moments with author Brooke Jevicks (04-26-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes author Brooke Jevicks to discuss her new faith-centered devotional, Becoming.Â
Written from the trenches of her own adversity, Brooke moves past the pressure of "perfection" to meet readers in the middle of real life.
Our conversation focused on how her book helps women rediscover their identity in Christ, with practical exercises for rebuilding hope, and a vital reminder that even in your hardest moments, you are never abandoned and always dearly loved.Â
What You’...
Coffee, Community, and Connection: A First Season Milestone for West Michigan’s Partners in Ministry Initiative (04-19-26)
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Rev. Peter Jonker of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church.
Rev. Jonker gave us an inside look at the vital work being done through the Partners in Ministry initiative. Â
The positive impact this collaboration has had in just its first winter season is impressive, but there is much more to come. While the doors at the Westminster location may be closed for the season, the mission to find a permanent, larger home by 2028 is already in motion. Â
If yo...
Dream Cars & Drive-In Nights: Inside the Gilmore Car Museum’s 60th Anniversary Season (04-19-26)
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Nick LaCasse, Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum.Â
From classic cruisers to futuristic dream cars, the story of the automobile is as much about design and imagination as it is about engineering—and this season, that story is on full display in West Michigan.
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Nick LaCasse, Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum, gives Phil a close-up look at what’s ahead for one of the premier automotive destinations in North America.
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As the...
Birthright Citizenship on Trial — Inside The Landmark Trump v. Barbara Case (04-12-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower dives into one of the most consequential legal battles of the decade: the challenge to the executive order attempting to dismantle birthright citizenship.
Following oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on April 1st, we speak with Brendan Beery, Constitutional Law Professor at Cooley Law School, to unpack the "Citizenship Clause" of the 14th Amendment.
We explore the legal precedents, the historical weight of the 1868 ratification, and what a potential June ruling could mean for thousands of families across the...
Hands-Free, Not Danger-Free: An Update on Michigan's Plan To Cut Distracted Driving (04-12-26)
On this segment of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Alicia Sledge, Director of Michigan’s Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), to discuss the critical issue of distracted driving. Despite the implementation of Michigan’s Hands-Free Law, recent data shows a concerning rise in mobile device use and driver fatalities. This episode breaks down the latest statistics and the state’s high-visibility enforcement efforts aimed at reversing these deadly trends.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Current Trends: Why distracted-driving fatalities increased...
