By now, it’s common knowledge that a total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8. However, experts are cautioning about the potential hazards that eclipses present to individuals who are behind the wheel.

After analyzing the findings from the 2017 total solar eclipse, it is evident that there is a noticeable increase in fatal car accidents during comparable astronomical and astrological occurrences. Research conducted by the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto provides us with a general understanding of potential outcomes. It has been discovered that there could be a significant increase in car accidents during the eclipse.

The Exploration of the Total Eclipse
According to Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a professor at the University of Toronto and one of the study’s authors, there are several factors that contribute to the increased risks during a celestial event. These factors include more traffic on the roads, people traveling on unfamiliar routes, drivers speeding to reach their destinations on time, distractions caused by the event itself, impairment due to drugs or alcohol, and unsafe viewing locations along the roadside. It appears that an eclipse could potentially be accountable for various occurrences, yet the data speaks for itself.

The study examined the impact of the total solar eclipse in 2017 on traffic patterns and identified a concerning trend. A staggering number of individuals lost their lives in car accidents during the recent eclipse, resulting in an alarming average of 10.3 deaths per hour. In contrast, during control days, the number of fatal crashes increased by 31%, resulting in an average of 7.9 deaths per hour.

Dr. John Staples, a clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the significance of taking proactive measures to prevent potential disasters. It is crucial for drivers to adhere to speed limits, stay focused on the road, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, always wear seatbelts, and never operate a vehicle while under the influence. These measures are essential in preventing any potential increase in traffic fatalities.

What’s Causing the Issues? Specifically
Contrary to popular belief, the increase in fatal crashes cannot be attributed solely to the darkness resulting from the solar eclipse. “The issue lies in the hours before and after people travel to their place of observation,” Dr. Redelmeier explained in greater detail.2: People are joyfully reveling in the eclipse, but their behavior seems a bit out of the ordinary. It feels similar to being out and about on New Year’s Eve.

Redelmeier and Staples meticulously analyzed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, with a keen focus on the temporal patterns. The crash rates experienced a significant increase prior to the eclipse, followed by a decrease during the event, and subsequently skyrocketed to nearly 50% above the average once it concluded.

During busy travel periods such as Thanksgiving and the 4th of July, it is crucial to effectively communicate and ensure people are well-informed about potential risks. Next week’s solar eclipse is expected to attract a significant number of individuals who will hit the roads for various purposes. Due to this, individuals should exercise additional caution and adhere to safety guidelines.

Redelmeier emphasized the criticality of adhering to standard safety measures, effectively summarizing the key findings of their research. He emphasized the significance of adhering to speed limits, staying focused while driving, consistently using turn signals (a habit for BMW drivers), switching lanes safely, and, above all, wearing your seatbelt.

Solar Eclipse Above the Vehicle
It is crucial for all drivers to recall the lessons learned during the previous eclipse. Please plan to be extra careful while driving, get rid of any things that might distract you, and follow all the rules for road safety. It is possible to keep tragedy to a minimum so that the solar eclipse is just a show to marvel at from above, not one to be shocked by from below.

Let’s be careful on the roads and make sure that the beauty of the sky doesn’t (solar) overpower the need to protect innocent lives. There will be another eclipse of the sun, but no more life if it crashes.