It is now widely known that a total solar eclipse will occur on April 8. However, academics are raising concerns about the possible driving risks that eclipses pose. Insights from the 2017 complete solar eclipse point to a disturbing increase in fatal car accidents around similar astronomical (and astrological) phenomena.
An analysis conducted by the Universities of British Columbia and Toronto provides a tentative estimate, suggesting that the approaching eclipse may result in a large increase in traffic dєαths.
The Total Eclipse Study
Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a professor at the University of Toronto and one of the study’s authors, emphasized that “[t]he increased risks likely derive from increased traffic, travel on unfamiliar routes, speeding to arrive on time, driver distraction by a celestial event, drug or alcohol impairment, or eclipse viewing from unsafe roadside locations.” Seems like a bit of a wide net to blame on an eclipse, but the numbers don’t lie.
Dr. John Staples, a clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the need of taking proactive steps to avoid future disasters. “To help prevent another possible surge in traffic fatalities, drivers should respect speed limits, minimize distractions, allow more headway, wear a seatbelt, and never drive impaired.”
What is causing the issues?
Contrary to common assumption, the increase in fatal crashes is not directly tied to the darkness caused by the solar eclipse. Dr. Redelmeier went on to say, “The problem is the surrounding hours when people are traveling to their place of observation and especially afterward.”2 People are enjoying the eclipse, partying, and acting strangely – it’s reminiscent of a New Year’s Eve road trip.
Redelmeier and Staples methodically searched the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, noting how the temporal pattern unfolded. Fatal crash rates rose above average prior to the eclipse, fell throughout the event, and then spiked to nearly 50% above average following the eclipse.
Redelmeier reiterated the urgency of embracing standard safety measures, encapsulating the essence of their findings. He hammered home the importance of obeying speed limits, minimizing distractions while driving, actually using your turning signals (BMW drivers, this is, in fact, an all-the-time activity), lane changes, and, above all, using your seatbelt.
Solar eclipse of the car.
As the solar eclipse approaches, all drivers must remember the lessons of the past. Please plan to drive with extra caution, avoid distractions, and adhere to road safety protocols. Tragedy can be avoided, ensuring that the solar eclipse is viewed as a spectacle to be marveled at rather than one to be shocked by.