The first cross-country solar eclipse since the advent of the automobile and creation of the free interstate system is heading our way Monday, August 21st. And, while it won’t shroud New Jersey in complete darkness, drivers will most certainly see and feel the difference while on the road, which could lead to some distracted driving behavior.

While our area is over 600 miles away from the path of totality, most of our region will experience 75 to 80 percent obstruction of sunlight when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun.

“As spectacular as this once-in-a-lifetime event will be, if you happen to catch a glimpse of it while behind the wheel, do not turn your eyes away from the road,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Aside from damaging your eyes, looking at the eclipse while driving is distracted driving at its worst. While AAA recommends staying off the road during the eclipse, if you have to drive keep sun visors and cell phones down to protect your eyes, reduce temptation to look at the sun, and avoid distracted driving.”

What to Expect – 2017 Solar Eclipse Obstruction and Timeline

“In the Mid-Atlantic region, we will see a partial eclipse where the moon covers about 80 percent of the solar disk. The moon will start to cover the solar disk around 1:20 p.m., achieve maximum coverage around 2:45 p.m. and move completely away from the sun around 4 p.m.,” says Judi Provencal, Resident Astronomer from Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory in Hockessin, Delaware. “Since part of the solar disk will always be visible, it is extremely important to not look directly at the eclipse, even with everyday sunglasses. This could cause serious eye damage.”

Expect Traffic Jams

Sky gazers could take to the roads at the last minute, looking for a good view of the eclipse.
August 21 is still summer vacation time for many – there may be increased travel (and subsequently traffic) up to and including Aug. 21.
Pack your patience, whether traveling great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.
AAA Driver Safety Tips During the Solar Eclipse

Keep headlights on.
Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving.
Do NOT try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.
Do NOT pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.
Be mindful of pedestrians that many be walking around with their eyes on the sky.