If you’ve ever driven across the Mackinac Bridge, you know it’s not exactly a relaxing cruise. It can be a little freaky…or downright terrifying if you’ve got a fear of heights.

Between the height, the wind, and those grated lanes where you can literally see the water below, it can get in your head pretty quick.

Anna King on Unsplash
Anna King on Unsplash
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And yeah…some people just flat out refuse to do it.

See Also: 13 Items Now Banned From Recycling Bins in Michigan

Someone Will Drive Your Car Across The Mackinac Bridge?

Yep. This is 100% real.

If you’re too nervous to cross the Mackinac Bridge, the Mackinac Bridge Authority offers a Driver Assistance Program where a trained driver will take your car across while you ride as a passenger.

All you have to do is pull up to the toll booth and let them know you need help.

I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life, crossed the Mighty Mac plenty of times, and somehow never knew this was an option.

Is The Mackinac Bridge Driver Assistance Program New?

This is the crazy part…the program has been around since the 1980s, and thousands of people have used it over the years. Did you know this was even a thing?

It did pause for a bit during COVID, and it’s no longer free. Now, if you’re too chicken to cross, it’ll run you about $10.

And it’s not just drivers. If you’re walking or biking across the Mackinac Bridge, they’ll actually give you a ride over, too.

Troy Spoelma on Unsplash
Troy Spoelma on Unsplash
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Why Do People Avoid Driving The Mackinac Bridge In Michigan?

Once you see the bridge up close, it makes total sense.

It stretches about 5 miles across the water and sits roughly 200 feet above it. Add in strong winds and those see-through lanes, and yeah…not everyone’s signing up for that drive.

Some drivers won’t even attempt it.

I’ve got a buddy who will ride across the Mackinac Bridge all day as long as someone else is driving…but he refuses to get behind the wheel himself.

Constructing the Mackinac Bridge, 1954-1957

24 Bridges to Enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that Aren't the Mackinac Bridge

Some people just don't enjoy crossing the majestic Mackinac Bridge. For others it's not in the route of thier travel. There are at least 24 other bridges that travelers can use to enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here they are from east to west

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Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie

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