On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will be visible, cutting across the entire continental United States. And while this rare event can be beautiful, it can also be dangerous. So much so that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is issuing warnings to drivers.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s orbit places it directly between the Sun and the Earth. While eclipses in general are unusual, a total solar eclipse is even more uncommon, and one hasn’t been viewable from the continental united states since 1979.
As such, people are expected to travel to places along the eclipse’s path in order to catch a glimpse. For the day of, a day before, and the day after the eclipse, drivers should expect to see increased traffic, especially in areas where the total solar eclipse will be visible.
But it’s not just those in the path of the eclipse that need to be aware. While only people in certain portions of the country will be able to see the total eclipse, a partial eclipse will be visible from every state in the continental US.
Drivers have been advised to pull completely off of highways and stop at a safe location to view the eclipse, but you can be sure that there will be plenty of people still driving who are paying less attention to the road than to the sky.
The FHWA is offering the following tips for drivers during the eclipse:
- Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder during the event.
- Exit the highway to safe location to view and/or photograph the eclipse.
- Don’t take photographs while driving!
- Don’t try to wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.
- Turn your headlights on — do not rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks out the sun.
- Watch out for pedestrians along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside the roadside in the hours around the eclipse to get the best view.
- Prepare for extra congestion especially on the interstates in the path on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.
- Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the main path if you can.
To see more guidance from the FHWA on safety during the eclipse, click here.
If you want to learn more about solar eclipses in general, click here!
Source: fleetowner, overdrive
Image Source: FHWA
Chris says
I wouldn’t trust this map. Especially in Illinois 😂.
Someone messed up the highway 55 and 57.
Red says
Oh no…we’re gonna have to deal with people texting, posting on FaceBook, AND looking up at the sun lol god help us