Ontivity Resources

Believe it or not, the safety team has received multiple requests for information regarding the upcoming solar eclipse. Because this isn’t something that is super common, we started researching the topic and came across an interesting article written by Doyle Rice with USA Today that we would like to share with everyone this morning. But before doing so, we would like to provide you with the key takeaways from the article in advance…

• Be aware of fake eclipse glasses
• Prepare for traffic delays and accidents

The upcoming solar eclipse, as exciting and fun as it promises to be, is also coming with a growing number of safety warnings — both for what will happen in the sky and what will happen on the ground.

In late March, we’ve heard warnings about potentially dangerous fake eclipse glasses, the possibility for increased car crashes around the time of the eclipse and possible air travel headaches due to delayed or cancelled flights.

Safety is always a concern around solar eclipses when millions of people will look to the sky as the moon passes in front of the sun. Looking at the spectacular event requires special glasses to prevent eye damage. Plus, tourists from around the country will be flocking to a narrow band of land from Texas to Maine — the path of totality, where the shadow of the moon will plunge the Earth into darkness.

BE AWARE OF FAKE ECLIPSE GLASSES

“Counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses are polluting the marketplace,” the American Astronomical Society announced in a statement in late March.

Using fake glasses – or no glasses at all – to look at the eclipse is dangerous to your eyes: Overexposure to sunlight “can cause severe eye injury, ranging from temporarily impaired vision to permanent blindness,” the AAS stated. They recommended buying form a vetted vendor and testing the glasses before the eclipse.

PREPARE FOR TRAFFIC DELAYS AND ACCIDENTS

Traffic is predicted to be bad and potentially deadly – especially after the eclipse ends. Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then most will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

Experts warn the excitement could create dangerous and busy automobile traffic conditions as people pack into the small part of the country with the best view.

Roads could be especially packed at the center of the eclipse’s path as Americans who want the best view crowd into cities, towns and remote areas, many without the infrastructure to handle big crowds.

When a solar eclipse passed over the US in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn’t fully clear for more than 12 hours in some areas.

Even worse, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse “was associated with increased risks of a fatal traffic crash” – potentially as much as a 31% increase the study said.

The FAA is offering guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft ahead of the eclipse as well. They stated that “due to the high volume of traffic along the eclipse path, airport arrivals can expect lengthy delays during peak traffic periods”.

If you would like more information on this topic or any other safety-related topic, please reach out to the Ontivity safety team at safety@ontivity.com, and we will get you taken care of.