Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Experts warn about increase in deadly vehicle crashes amid rare celestial event

As millions across North America gear up for the rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, experts warn about an increased risk of vehicle crashes. Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Experts warn about increased risk of fatal vehicular crashes Experts warn of increased risk of deadly road accidents According to a research paper, “The 2017 total solar eclipse was widely anticipated because the path of totality fell within 300 miles of driving distance for a third of all individuals in the U.S.” “An estimated 20 million people in the U.S. traveled away from home to another city to view the eclipse, resulting in substantial road traffic. We hypothesized that the eclipse was associated with increased risks of a fatal car crash,” researchers added, per Fox News. The problem is the surrounding hours, when people are traveling to their place of observation and especially afterwards,” adding, “We're especially concerned about the drive home.” The outlet adds that in contrast to the 2017 eclipse, when the path of totality was within a three-hour drive of only three major cities—Portland, St. Louis, and Kansas City—the 2024 eclipse's path will be within three hours of eight major cities, including Toronto, Houston, and Chicago.