Tips For Travel During The Solar Eclipse! | Albany, NY

Apr 5, 2024

As many of you may know, this upcoming Monday, April, 8th, there will be a complete solar eclipse across parts of Mexico and North America. NASA predicts that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of the eclipse and millions more are within a two-hour drive of the eclipse’s path. During the solar eclipse in 2017, an estimated 5 million people traveled to view the astronomical phenomenon. This caused severe traffic jams that lasted several hours on certain roadways.

NASA has released an Eclipse Explorer Map showing the predicted path of the total solar eclipse so that you know where you’ll get the best view– or where you should try to avoid traveling to. Whether you’re planning to make the journey to see the eclipse, or are worried about how traffic could affect your commute, Destination Nissan is here with some tips to keep you safe on the roads!

Be Prepared For Traffic

If you’re traveling to a major city within the Eclipse’s Path be prepared for traffic jams. An eclipse of this magnitude is not predicted to happen again for another 20 years, so many people of all ages, and driving ability, will be out and about. Make sure to fill up your tank the day before, pack some water and snacks, and be prepared for bumper to bumper traffic for extended periods of time.

Watch Out For Watchers

Everyone is looking for the best possible view. Sometimes, that can lead people to plant themselves in some precarious positions alongside the road or even right in the middle of it. Children may be caught up in watching the spectacle and forget to watch where they’re going. Other drivers may be distracted by the phenomena. Make sure YOU stay alert!

Focus On The Road

If you find yourself on the road during the solar eclipse and can’t find a good place to pull over to view it, DO NOT try to split you attention between operating your vehicle and looking up at the sky. If worse comes to worse and you miss the eclipse, it’s not the end of the world. NASA with be publishing beautiful high-resolution pictures you can look at from the comfort of your couch!

Protect Your Peepers

If you haven’t already, remember to get proper eye protection for viewing the eclipse! You will not need this unless you are planning to look up at the sun directly, so there is no need to wear eclipse specific protectivewear while driving. Your regular sunnies will do!

The Eclipse is estimated to pass over New York in stages from 2:00 pm to around 4:30 pm! The Destination Nissan team hopes some of these tips have helped you prepare for Monday! Stay safe out on the roads and enjoy this exciting phenomenon with family and friends!