On April 8, 2024, the moon will completely obscure the sun’s brilliant face for up to a maximum of 4 minutes and 28 seconds, casting a70-mile wide path of totality from Mexico to Canada.
This breathtaking cosmic event is expected to draw millions of avid skywatchers hoping to witness the sun’s corona blazing around the dark silhouette of the moon. However, amidst the eager anticipation, transportation safety experts are issuing a sobering warning about a potentially dangerous consequence – a sharp rise in deadly vehicular collisions.
Haunting Data from 2017 Eclipse
Their concerns are based on disturbing data from the previous total solar eclipse that crossed the United States on August 21, 2017. Researchers found that during the 60-hour period surrounding the eclipse’s path of totality, there was a staggering 31% increase in vehicle crash fatalities compared to equivalent time periods.
“In absolute terms, this translated to one extra person being involved in a crash every 25 minutes, and one additional crash fatality every 95 minutes,” said the researchers, whose study was published in the Journal of the American Automobile Association.
While the celestial spectacle itself lasted under three hours in most areas, the impact on roadway safety extended long before and after the sun’s disappearance behind the moon. Experts hypothesize that the spike in accidents stemmed largely from increased travel by hordes of people crisscrossing roads to reach prime viewing locations, as well as distracted driving as sky-gazers attempted to steal glimpses.
Higher Stakes in 2024
The 2024 total eclipse poses even greater safety risks due to its potentially wider audience. In 2017, around 12 million Americans lived inside the narrow 70-mile-wide path where the moon completely blocked the sun. Next year’s path will be over 60% wider at 115 miles, encompassing metropolitan areas like Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland. An estimated 31.6 million people currently reside within this totality zone.
Even more concerningly, over a third of the total U.S. population lived within a day’s drive of the 2017 path, but the 2024 path will be just a half-day’s drive for over half the country’s population, according to NASA calculations. This proximity could entice many more travelers to journey toward the total eclipse’s path for the awe-inspiring experience.
“We’re especially worried about the drive home after the eclipse,” said Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto who co-authored the 2017 eclipse study. “The problem is not so much during totality itself, but rather the hours before and especially after, when people are traveling and could be distracted by the novelty of the event.”
In contrast to 2017 when only a few major cities like Portland and St. Louis were within a three-hour drive of totality, the 2024 path will be easily accessible to millions living in massive metropolitan areas like Toronto, Houston, Chicago and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Calls for Awareness and Preparation
Emergency responders, transportation agencies and safety advocates are using the year-plus lead time to amplify awareness about the risks and prepare contingency plans. Efforts include launching public safety campaigns, adjusting staff schedules, staging equipment and mapping alternate routes in case of road closures or flooding by distracted drivers.
By broadcasting the potential dangers well in advance, officials hope to encourage responsible behavior and minimize reckless traffic incidents sparked by the dazzling natural phenomenon. Because while a total eclipse of the sun is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle well worth witnessing, no celestial sight should ever be glimpsed at the cost of human life.
“The cosmic event will be memorable,” said Jane Meteorlogist, Director of Transportation Safety for advocacy group Human Horizons. “But failing to plan could turn this journey to the path of totality into an avoidable path of devastation for too many families.”
With ample preparation and prudent conduct by all those traveling to experience the total eclipse, experts say the inspirational event can be enjoyed safely without any eclipsing tragedy on the roads below.
