Solar Eclipse on April 8 Could Lead to Increased Fatal Car Crashes

Solar eclipse is a rare natural phenomenon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. It temporarily obscures sunlight and casts a shadow over a portion of our planet, making the solar eclipse only visible to a specific area or region. In ancient times, the celestial event was perceived to signify many things, including omens and prophecies. In modern times, it has captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts.

The space phenomenon will take place this year on Monday, April 8. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the total solar eclipse will travel through Mexico and eventually cross through the United States, specifically in a northeastern pattern from the states of Texas to Maine. The shadow of the eclipse will then exit North America via the Atlantic coast of Canada.

While the astronomical spectacle is still nearly two weeks away, scientists warned it could lead to increased fatal car crashes, similar to the "Great American Eclipse" of 2017. In a report earlier this week, researchers predicted the upcoming total solar eclipse could be associated with fatal traffic risks across the US. The findings are based on data obtained from a US Government agency that records motor vehicle traffic crashes.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself (in line with its orbit) between our planet and the Sun. There are times when the cosmic event is incomplete and times when it is full. A partial solar eclipse may only be witnessed by some people at least one in their lifetimes, but individuals who are not even amateur astronomers will not experience a total solar eclipse, according to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

In general, an eclipse occurs when one celestial body passes in front of another body, obscuring the latter of any light source from the direction in which the former is blocking. For instance, another type of this event is called a lunar eclipse, when the Earth is blocking the Sun after positioning in front of the Moon. In contrast with a solar eclipse, our lunar neighbor is temporarily deprived of sunlight during a lunar eclipse.

Total Solar Eclipse 2024

As the Solar Eclipse 2024 is approaching, experts are estimating the occurrence of the April 8 eclipse during the afternoon hours. Specifically, the total solar eclipse will start at 1:27 p.m. CDT (local time) in Texas and end at 3:35 p.m. EDT in Maine. However, the exact time of the space event will vary depending on one's region across the US. For people living outside the region, they can view live the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse online on NASA's website.

Despite the enthusiasm towards the upcoming total solar eclipse, new research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday, March 25, highlights the increased risk of fatal car crashes. According to researchers in Canada, the fatal traffic risks are based on multiple individuals involved in fatal crashes around the time of the eclipse during the Great American Eclipse of 2017.

The research team based their data on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which registers all fatal traffic crashes on public roads across the US. Based on their findings, the team found that the increased car collisions during the 2017 solar eclipse may not have been caused by the momentary period of darkness, but by the increased influx of drivers on the roads on the way to view the eclipse.