There has been a lot of information about how to look at the eclipse when it happens on Monday, August 21, 2017. People in 14 states will be able to see the total Eclipse, but those all over the United States will be able to see a partial eclipse.

This will be the first total eclipse since February 1979 and the one before then was June 8, 1918. The next total eclipses won't happen until April 2024 over 12 states and August 2045 over 10 states.

Driving during eclipse

There might be some people who are out driving at the time of the eclipse. Therefore, there should be some rules to pay close attention to for their safety and the safety of others who will be on the road as well.

The Verge reported on Thursday, August 17 that there was a much smaller number of registered vehicles in the United States when the last eclipse took place. At that time, vehicles were not as popular as they are today. Therefore, the chances of having an accident while driving were relatively low compared to what might happen on August 21, 2017. Motorists should be extra careful to protect themselves and others during the eclipse.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there were only 6.2 million vehicles during the last eclipse. In 2015, the organization stated there were 263.6 million registered vehicles in the United States, and there are even more vehicles today. Officials with the federal transportation believe there will be more chances of accidents during the eclipse because of the darkness in the middle of the day that will catch some people off guard.

Highway instructions

It is a good idea that people who don't have to drive, shouldn't be on the road during the eclipse. If they must drive, then they should not look at the eclipse while they are behind the wheel. The glasses that can be used to see the eclipse are not ones that people can see through while driving.

The FHWA estimated that people living within a day's drive from the path of the eclipse will get on the highway.

Officials are considering August 21 to be a day with more traffic than usual and a day with a very big distraction.

The path of the eclipse will be across 14 states covering more than 20 interstates so people might be tempted to pull over on the side of the highway. The FHWA suggests that drivers shouldn't pull over on the side of the highway because that could be dangerous because of passing cars.

If you are driving during the time of the eclipse, make sure you turn on your headlights just as you would do while driving at night. Don't rely on your automatic lights to come on. The moon will block the sun and day will turn to night.

Some companies have changed schedules to keep their drivers off the road during the time of the eclipse in their area.
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