Solar Eclipse Warning Issued to Millions of Drivers

Motorists hoping to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse have been warned not to be distracted by the spectacle while on the road, as officials fear the event could cause a spike in accidents.

"Don't watch the eclipse while driving, and don't stop on the interstate or highway shoulder," Shailen Bhatt, the Federal Highway Administrator, said in a briefing on Friday. "Please, plan ahead to arrive early and, if you can, stay put to avoid traffic congestion."

"If you have plans to drive with family and friends to see it—whether it's a short drive or a long one—find a safe place to park and watch this exciting event away from oncoming traffic."

The total solar eclipse—when the sun is completely shrouded by the moon—is set to occur on April 8. It will pass from northern Mexico across the east and into New England. It will be visible across 13 U.S. states, as well as small portions of Tennessee and Michigan.

Like the last time such an event happened in the U.S. in 2017, many are expected to travel to ideal viewing spots—raising concerns about stretched public safety resources. The Federal Highway Administration says that while around 32 million people live in the path of the total eclipse, between one and five million people are anticipated to travel there to see it.

In Oklahoma, one rural county has already enlisted the help of the National Guard to cope with an influx of tourists, with its narrow roads expected to become highly congested.

With traffic expected to be an issue in many places, experts are stressing that motorists should plan to allow for extra time to reach their desired viewing spot to avoid the risk of being distracted on the road.

Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association (AAA) told Newsweek it was "asking drivers to refrain from looking at the eclipse while behind the wheel.

"If you're driving, drive. If you want to see the eclipse, plan ahead and pick a location away from traffic," she said. "Don't wear eclipse glasses while driving. Watch out for distracted drivers and pedestrians during the eclipse who may be looking up and not at the road."

Diaz said that in 2017, rural routes experienced significant congestion—particularly after the event had ended and everyone was trying to leave at the same time. Four of the top five bottleneck locations experienced traffic between 45 and 70 miles long and lasted between 7 and 15-and-a-half hours.

"Preparation is key," she said. "Consider staying longer at your eclipse-viewing destination afterward (bring camping chairs, for example) and, much like after a concert, hang out until the initial rush passes. Fill up right before the eclipse so you have a full tank in case you get stuck in traffic. Have an emergency kit prepared with extra water, snacks, first-aid kit, and phone charger."

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Several major cities in Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, are among the areas that will see the total eclipse for the longest.

Deon Cockrell, a sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety, told Newsweek that it was anticipating "a large number of people and vehicles coming into the area."

"We asked that those who plan on participating in the viewing of the eclipse take plenty of time getting to their locations," he added. "Make sure they park in legal areas and not on the side of the road where it is unsafe."

In addition to congestion, the Federal Highway Administration has warned that cloud cover could create localized areas of traffic as visitors move to locations with better visibility and noted an increased risk of wildfires being ignited in areas with dry vegetation.