An eclipse occurs when one object, typically in space, blocks another object that is similar in size from the perspective of the viewer. On Monday, April 8, many Americans will get the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse. Those in the “path of totality” will see the moon block the sun for about four minutes. Data shows that areas where eclipses occur have historically seen an increase in fatal car crashes around 31 percent. If you’re going to be out driving next Monday, here’s what you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible.
For about thirteen and a half hours, the moon and sun will travel in a way that a swath of Mexico, the United States, and Canada will be given a celestial show. Unfortunately that means for several minutes the sky will lose all light and drivers will be subjected to momentary night driving conditions with rapid transition. Because of that, it’s best to just keep your car’s headlights on while driving next week Monday.
You don’t want to look directly at an eclipse, as it can seriously affect your ability to see. Definitely don’t look at an eclipse while driving. The best way to avoid this is to lower your car’s sunvisor. You probably won’t want to drive with sunglasses on in night conditions, and you definitely should not wear “eclipse glasses” while driving.
Unless you have a dashcam that can record while you’re driving around, don’t try to photograph or video the eclipse while you’re in a moving vehicle. I feel like this one should be pretty self evident, but you never know.
The eclipse will be short, and you should probably plan ahead. Don’t just wait for it to happen and then pull over to the side of the road to check it out. It’s definitely better to be parked during the eclipse than to continue driving, but parking on the side of the road becomes a danger in itself when the lights go out on millions of drivers. If you have ten minutes of warning, you can probably find a parking lot to slide into to watch the eclipse happen.
Keep a keen eye out for pedestrians who might be paying more attention to the sky than where they’re walking.
If you’re in the path of totality and don’t really care about the eclipse, maybe just try to stay home that day. Hertz claims that rental traffic in cities in the path is up 3000 percent over a non-eclipse week. There are going to be a ton of out-of-towners coming to see the eclipse. They’re unfamiliar with the roads you know like the back of your hand. Going out among them is just putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Happy, and safe, viewing!