Researchers are becoming concerned about the heightened hazards that the complete solar eclipse, which is scheduled for April 8, may cause on the roadways. Data from the 2017 complete solar eclipse shows that during comparable astronomical occurrences, there has been an alarming increase in deadly automobile accidents.
An investigation indicates that there may be a notable increase in traffic deaths due to the impending eclipse.One of the study’s authors, Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a professor at the University of Toronto, outlined several variables that raised the risks. Increased traffic, using uncharted routes, speeding, driving attention from the eclipse, and drug or alcohol impairment are a few of these. Even with so many possible reasons, the numbers speak for themselves.
An alarming tendency was found in the study, which examined traffic patterns during the 2017 total solar eclipse. There were 741 traffic-related deaths in the three days leading up to the eclipse, which translates to an alarming 10.3 deaths per hour on average. When compared to control days, which witnessed 7.9 fatalities per hour, the eclipse period saw a 31% increase in the number of fatal collision involvements.
Clinical associate professor Dr. John Staples of the University of British Columbia emphasized the significance of being proactive in averting possible catastrophes. He cautioned drivers to stay below the speed limit, keep distractions to a minimum, keep a safe following distance, strap up, and never drive when intoxicated.
