Solar Eclipse Travel, Driving Tips from AAA

MAINE, Maine — The total solar eclipse is less than three weeks away, and northern Maine is on the path to totality, which means many people from both in-state and out-of-state will be in the area on April 8 to be part of the single event. an experience of a lifetime.

AAA Northern New England has some travel tips before the big day. Pat Moody, public affairs director for the organization, told NEWS CENTER Maine that the roads will be very busy leading up to the event and even worse on Monday, April 8.

Moody said there's a chance you'll be stuck in traffic before you get to the location where you want to see the eclipse. If this happens, he said to get off at an exit and get out of your vehicle safely if you want to look at the sky, but not to take the highway. Also, don't try to take photos while driving. It's illegal.

Moody advised watching out for distracted drivers or people on the side of the road who might also be distracted when trying to get a good look at the eclipse.

Additionally, Moody said you shouldn't wear eclipse glasses while driving.

“There will be a lot of people traveling from out of state. We know it's 'vacation country,' so when people come from out of state, there are a lot of distraction just trying to navigate roads they don't know. “So, if you add to that the phenomenon where they're looking up and being distracted, there could really be a risk on our highways,” he said. -he explained. “So this is definitely a time where you need to step up your defensive driving game and also pay attention to everything that's going on.”

On top of that, Moody said it's also important to take care of your vehicle and make sure your gas tank is full before hitting the road, to avoid running out of fuel during traffic jams.

“Often our calls for help are related to battery problems and also locked keys in cars, which can happen when you are excited and want to take a look at the sky and see the eclipse. You could do something like that,” he said. explain. “And then also tire and towing issues. So we want you to make sure you have a great time with your friends and family, so make sure the vehicle is ready for the journey ahead.”

Also consider traveling with a roadside emergency kit, extra food, water, medicine, first aid kit, cell phone charger, flashlight and extra cash.

Here are some other driving tips from AAA:

• Choose courtesy. Be vigilant, alert and courteous to others on roads, highways and highways
• Don't drive distracted; do not use cell phones or other devices while driving. Focus on the “task” of driving
• Do not drive or park on dry grass – there is a fire risk
• To view and/or photograph the eclipse, exit the highway and head to a safe location.
• When driving a vehicle, do not wear eclipse glasses
• Turn on your headlights – don't rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks the sun. Make sure the lights are on once the moon passes in front of the sun.
• Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists along small roads. People can park, walk or bike along the road before the eclipse to get a view. Look for pedestrians who may also be looking up and not looking ahead.
• Anticipate heavy traffic jams, especially on highways during the journey the day before, the day and the day after the eclipse.

• The top three roadside assistance calls to AAA in the spring are for dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts, and some motorists may run out of gas in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you are driving to view the eclipse, plan a vehicle check in advance.
• Travel with an emergency kit in your car including food, water, medicine, flashlight, first aid kit, flares or emergency triangles, cell phone, charger cell phone, windshield washer fluid and extra money.
• Leave early and expect delays. The roads around the “totality” zone will be extremely busy. Be patient.
• Keep enough fuel in your tank. Keep the level at about half tank. Carry food and water for your passengers and pets.
• Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuable items in your car.