How Many Cars Have Fallen Over the Mackinac Bridge?

Since its completion in 1958, two cars have fallen over the Mackinac Bridge.

The Mackinac Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, has a remarkable safety record considering its length and exposure to the elements. Despite its impressive scale and the millions of vehicles that cross it annually, incidents involving vehicles falling from the bridge are exceedingly rare.

Incidents of Vehicles Falling from the Bridge

There have been only two documented instances where a car has fallen from the Mackinac Bridge since its opening. These incidents occurred several years after the bridge's completion, each under unique and unfortunate circumstances.

Details of Each Incident:

• First Incident (1989): A car driven by Leslie Ann Pluhar, a 30-year-old woman, went over the side of the bridge during severe weather conditions. The incident was attributed to a combination of high winds and the vehicle's excessive speed. The car reportedly veered off the roadway and into the Straits of Mackinac.
• Second Incident (1997): Eight years later, another vehicle plunged from the bridge in what was determined to be an apparent suicide. The driver, Richard Alan Darnton, a 43-year-old man, drove his car off the bridge intentionally.

These events, while tragic, underscore the infrequency of such occurrences and the general safety of the bridge for daily travel.

Summary of Incidents

To summarize the two occurrences:

The rarity of these events highlights the structural integrity of the Mackinac Bridge and the safety measures in place.