20 Mar Solar Eclipse Safety

About The Author

Tiffany Boyle, TPRA, CISR – Personal Risk Advisor 

Since joining Gilbert’s Risk Solutions  in 2005, Tiffany has dedicated herself to providing personalized insurance solutions to meet clients’ unique personal insurance needs. 

As the highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse approaches, excitement is building for those who plan to watch. On April 8th, people will gather to Northeast Ohio, one of the prime viewing spots for this historic event. However, amidst the thrill of witnessing this celestial spectacle, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially if you plan to be on the road during the eclipse. Here are some essential tips and precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable solar eclipse watching experience: 

Stay Cautious on the Road:

• AAA recommends staying off the roads altogether during the eclipse if possible.
• Keep your sun visors down and cell phones out of sight to prevent temptation to look at the sun without the proper eyewear.
• Avoid taking photographs while driving, as this can divert your attention from the road and increase the risks of an accident occurring. 
• Be hyper-vigilant and watch out for pedestrians who may be distracted by the display.
• As a pedestrian, watch out for drivers who may not be paying attention to the road.
• If you must drive during the eclipse, exercise extreme caution and remain alert to your surroundings. 

Plan for Delays:

• With the influx of spectators and potential traffic disruptions, delays are expected during the total solar eclipse.
• Plan your travel routes accordingly and allow extra time to reach your destination to account for potential delays. 

Turn on your Headlights:

• As darkness descends rapidly during the eclipse, ensure your headlights are turned on well in advance to enhance visibility.
• Remember that streetlights may take a moment to illuminate fully, so rely on your vehicle’s headlights to navigate safely.

Be Prepared for Visual Effects:

• Leading up to and following the total solar eclipse, expect to experience some unusual visual phenomena.
• Colors may appear faded, shadows may become fuzzy, and the transition from daylight to darkness will occur rapidly.
• Exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings during these visual distortions.

Allow for Dark Adaptation:

• Just like entering a dark room after being in a well-lit area, our eyes require time to adjust to sudden darkness.
• Be mindful of the phenomenon of dark adaptation during and after the eclipse, as it may affect your ability to navigate effectively.

As you prepare to witness the 2024 total solar-eclipse, remember to prioritize safety above all else. By following these tips and precautions, you can ensure a memorable and incident-free experience while marveling at the celestial event. 

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