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Portions of the United States are prepping to view a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024. It’s a pretty exciting prospect; they’re infrequent and majestic. However, there will be drivers on the roads as the moon crosses between the sun and the Earth align so spectacularly. So, is it dangerous to drive during an eclipse? What’s more, how do you enjoy the event without compromising your safety and others’ well-being?

It’s not dangerous to drive during an eclipse, but you might want to think twice and have a plan

In short, it’s not prohibitively dangerous to drive during a total solar eclipse. However, there is a caveat. Unsurprisingly, the American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that drivers stay focused on the road during the event. For starters, drivers should avoid looking directly at the eclipse. For instance, at least 100 people reported vision damage in the 2017 event, per USA Today. As such, it’s imperative that drivers not look directly at the event. 

If you want to stop and view the 2024 total solar eclipse, remember these tips:

  • Don’t wear your eclipse glasses while driving
  • Stop your vehicle somewhere safe (not the side of the road) and away from the flow of traffic
  • Use a set of “eclipse glasses” to safely view the eclipse without vision damage
  • Never look up at the event without the aid of a specialized device or set of glasses
A group of people view a solar eclipse in 2024.
A crowd views an eclipse | Kirkikis via iStock

AAA is more concerned with drivers getting distracted by the eclipse. Should you choose to continue driving during the event, keep in mind that other drivers might be distracted and that much more likely to cause an accident. As such, if you must drive as the moon crosses the sun’s corona, you should remain vigilant. 

“Anyone operating a vehicle should not be attempting to look up at the sky during the eclipse – their eyes should be on the road,” said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz. What’s more, drivers shouldn’t wear their eclipse glasses while driving. The glasses impede much of a person’s vision, which, for obvious reasons, is dangerous.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).