Could the Eclipse Lead to 1,000 Fatal Car Crashes?

For weeks all we have heard about is the solar eclipse but no one is talking about all the potential fatal automobile accidents that can occur during the event.

Why is the Eclipse Dangerous?

Looking at the sun is dangerous because the ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation can cause eye damage. Even a small dose of ultraviolet rays can be damaging to your eyes.

If you plan on viewing the solar eclipse, NASA recommends using the ISO labeled glasses to protect you and your family against the sun's harmful rays. Don't use a cell phone, a camera, binoculars, or a telescope because the rays can burn through the lens and damage your eyes. What about all the people who will be driving before and during the eclipse?

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Could the Eclipse Lead to 1,000 Fatal Car Crashes?

During the last eclipse in 2017, there was a 31% increase in fatal automobile accidents near the time or during the event. Many people will travel to a destination to view the eclipse which puts more people out on the road than normal. Unfortunately, there may be some impaired driving due to watch parties being thrown across the county.

Some drivers may be trying to get a look at the solar eclipse and not keep their eyes on the road. Others may try to get a photo or pull off on the side of the road while causing a hazard by standing too close to the road.

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According to Live Science, It's not the daytime darkness caused by the solar eclipse that leads to more fatal car crashes, it's the surrounding hours when the increase in fatal automobile crashes occurs. So try and avoid driving during those times directly before and after the eclipse.