Upwards of 3.7 million people are expected to chase the April 8 solar eclipse from Texas to Maine, creating traffic congestion. An increased number of collisions occurred during the 2017 eclipse, and several state transportation departments are urging heavy-duty commercial motor vehicle operators to stay off the road.
“As spectacular as this once-in-a-lifetime event will be, if you happen to catch a glimpse of it while behind the wheel, do not turn your eyes away from the road,” AAA manager of Public and Government Affairs Kara Hitchens reportedly said. “Aside from damaging your eyes, looking at the eclipse while driving is distracted driving at its worst.”
The Arkansas Department of Transportation anticipates approximately 1.5 million arrivals and another half-million residents to watch the event. The state’s DOT officials issued a pragmatic warning, noting that “the day may be mostly unproductive for freight vehicles” due to traffic grinding to a standstill.
Indiana, Vermont, and other states are asking freight carriers and owner-operators to take the day off and schedule alternate delivery dates. Vermont’s DMV has reportedly placed restrictions on commercial motor vehicles hauling loads over 108,000 pounds and vehicles more than 12 feet wide and 100 feet long.
The affair is expected to last for about two hours at any given point in the eclipse’s path. Total darkness may last 2 to 4 minutes, depending on where you experience the cosmetic event. It’s also important for truckers to consider that the temperature could drop as the sun’s light fades to black. These are safety guidelines issued by AAA worth reviewing.
- Keep headlights on
- Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun
- Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving
- Do not try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving
- Do not pull over to the side of the road, highway, or interstate to view the eclipse
- Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse
- Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes on the sky
Truck drivers should also expect widespread bottlenecks after the solar eclipse wanes. Following the 2017 eclipse, traffic congestion spiked, and it took hours to clear in some areas. Reports indicate that at least one Oklahoma community has asked for National Guard support in anticipation of 100,000 people visiting their county. McCurtain County is believed to be among the best places to view the eclipse with protective eye-wear.
Sources:
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/10.11.2023-Solar-Eclipse-TMP-LR2.pdf
https://www.wcax.com/2024/03/25/commercial-truck-drivers-urged-avoid-vermont-eclipse-day/
https://www.newsweek.com/national-guard-deployed-us-solar-eclipse-april-2024-1881284
Stay home. Call in sick. Be safe.