NASA Pilots Prepare for Flying Through Solar Eclipse, But Increased Traffic Poses Risks

NASA Pilots Prepare for 2024 Solar Eclipse

Tony Casey, one of the four NASA pilots set to fly through the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse, is making preparations for the mission. The event is expected to be a significant spectacle and the increased traffic could pose a danger to motorists, as fatal collisions have been known to increase during previous eclipses. Researchers have cautioned that law enforcement should brace for potential issues during the event, based on past statistics.

Increased Fatal Collisions During Eclipses

The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a letter highlighting a 31% increase in fatal traffic accidents during the 2017 total eclipse. Surprisingly, the study indicated that the surge in accidents was not directly linked to the moments of darkness when the moon obscured the sun. Rather, the surrounding hours, when people were traveling to and from their observation spots, showed a significant increase in accidents. Researchers are especially concerned about the safety of the drive home for eclipse viewers.

Traffic Estimates and Accessibility

During the 2017 eclipse, around 20 million people in the U.S. traveled to cities within the 70-mile path of totality. Comparatively, the 2024 event will be within three hours of eight major cities, potentially leading to even higher traffic levels. The Institute of Transportation Engineers conservatively estimated that 5 million people will travel for the event, which could lead to traffic conditions equivalent to 71 sold-out football games ending simultaneously.

Viewer Accessibility and NASA Estimates

NASA estimated that 31.6 million people already live within the path of totality, and an additional 150 million will be able to see partial totality. These numbers suggest a significant surge in population within the eclipse's path compared to the 2017 event, where only 12 million people lived within the path of totality. The 2024 eclipse is expected to have a 115-mile band, widening the area of totality from the previous event.

Impact on Road Traffic

The 2017 eclipse was widely anticipated, resulting in substantial road traffic as millions of individuals traveled away from home to view the event. Researchers noted an average increase in road traffic fatality rates during the three-day window surrounding the eclipse, with an extra crash-involved person every 25 minutes and an extra crash fatality every 95 minutes.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety Measures

Law enforcement and municipal officials have been preparing for the 2024 eclipse, focusing primarily on traffic safety. In areas like western New York, an influx of up to 1 million eclipse chasers is anticipated, prompting the deployment of additional state troopers for traffic control. Analysis of previous eclipse events has been crucial in planning for potential traffic issues, such as extensive delays experienced in Oregon during the 2017 eclipse.

Preventative Measures and Emergency Preparedness

Local authorities are taking measures to mitigate the impact of increased traffic, such as encouraging viewers to remain in town after the event to reduce congestion. Concerns over limited cellphone service, traffic jams, and decreased mobility for emergency responders have prompted some regions to declare a state of emergency. Additionally, entertainment and activities are being arranged to encourage viewers to stay and enjoy the post-eclipse experience, alleviating traffic congestion.

Conclusion

As the 2024 solar eclipse approaches, authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and traffic management during the event. With increased accessibility to the path of totality and a surge in anticipated viewers, effective planning and coordination are essential to minimize the potential impact on road traffic. By learning from past experiences and implementing preventative measures, efforts are underway to make the 2024 eclipse a safe and memorable experience for all.