Solar eclipse 2024: Here's why you don't want to be on the road during April 8 eclipse

Editor's note: The information below was taken from a longer column written by Dr. David Rogers, Dr. Julia Stokes, Dr. Ryan Squier and Dr. Aaron Zimmerman and submitted by the Central Ohio Hospital Council. Find that column here.

Driving during the April 8 solar eclipse is expected to come with unique risk.

It’s not a concern that most people think of, but Ohio’s expecting an influx of between 100,000 and 500,000 visitors from other states on April 8. They, and thousands of citizens from southern and eastern parts of our state, are expected to converge on the areas that will experience partial and total darkness.

States in the path of past solar eclipses saw major traffic congestion and more than the usual number of traffic accidents and distracted-driver incidents in the days before, during and after the event. In Ohio counties where the eclipse will be viewable, public officials and hospital emergency departments, including ours in Franklin County (in partial totality), are preparing for the same.

Spectacular and dangerous. How to safely enjoy 2024 solar eclipse.

If you’re in one of the full or partial totality counties (see the map on the Ohio Emergency Management website; link below), our advice is to stay home between noon and 5 p.m. on April 8.

Run your errands early in the day or, better yet, in the days before. Traffic in totality areas – even partial totality – will be busy, and drivers will be distracted, especially between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on April 8.

If you plan to drive to an event, plan to arrive early and stay late to reduce your time sitting in traffic. Don’t wear eclipse glasses while driving; you can’t see much while wearing them.

That’s a good thing when looking at the sun; not so for driving and other activities.

Stay alert in crowds on eclipse day

There are many large gatherings planned in central Ohio and throughout the state on eclipse day.

If you’ll be at one, keep a close eye on children and pets and be sure they have identification on them. This will be at least a 3-or-4-hour event. Arrive early and take enough sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks. Dress for the weather.

If it’s a private event, watch out for people drinking alcohol or using mind-altering substances. Their judgment will be impaired, and they may attempt risky behavior, including staring at the sun without protection.

There will be a lot of down time over the length of the eclipse, so plan how you’ll occupy your time, and know that you won’t be wearing your ISO-certified glasses every minute. Keep this in mind, if you too plan to partake.

As health professionals, we advise you not to, especially if you’re with children.

Solar eclipse 2024 in Ohio: Best places to be dazzled by the sun April 8

As for us, we’re planning to experience this event with family, friends, or co-workers, and we have our viewing glasses ready. Several of us have seen total solar eclipses in other parts of the country, and they were amazing.

Like touching boiling water. April 8 solar eclipse can leave you blind or without color

If you can’t get outside to see it, or you would rather watch it in the comfort of your home, tune in to NASA’s live telecast online at plus.nasa.gov starting at 1 p.m. April 8.

We hope you enjoy every minute, and we wish all of you clear skies on April 8.

Where to find more information

• Ohio Emergency Management: ema.ohio.gov. Ohio’s main information and reference website for the 2024 eclipse. Learn about the path of the eclipse through Ohio, get safety and planning advice, as well as links to other organizations involved in eclipse activities, parking dos and don’ts, and more.

• American Astronomical Society: Find numerous features here, including a list of approved vendors for eclipse glasses on the Eye Safety page. Remember, these glasses are absolutely necessary if you look directly at the sun. Get yours free at a local library or order them from a reputable vendor now! Don’t delay. See eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024

• NASA Plus Live Telecast: If it’s cloudy where you are, or you can’t get outside, watch the eclipse online thanks to NASA satellites and land centers. Watch at plus.nasa.gov starting at 1 p.m.

Dr. David Rogers is chief of Nationwide Children’s Hospital's Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Julia Stokes is a Mount Carmel Medical Group Grove City Family Health family practice physician. Dr. Ryan Squier is associate medical director at the OhioHealth New Albany Emergency Department. Dr. Aaron Zimmerman is a clinical professor at the Ohio State University College of Optometry.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Solar eclipse 2024: Being in traffic may come with dangers, headaches