Scientists from the University of Toronto are sounding the alarm ahead of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Their analysis of road traffic data from the 2017 solar eclipse revealed a troubling trend – more than 1,000 additional road deaths across the US during the week of the celestial event.
The researchers observed a significant increase in the average number of car deaths per day, jumping from 114 to at least 189 during the solar eclipse week. This spike in fatalities is attributed to the surge in driving as millions of people flock to cities within the path of totality to witness the rare event.
According to predictions, Texas is expected to see the most travelers during the upcoming eclipse, with numbers ranging from 270,000 to 1 million. As a result, hotel prices have already started to surge in cities along the eclipse path, signaling a massive influx of visitors.
The increased traffic risks associated with the solar eclipse are comparable to major holidays, raising concerns among transportation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a warning about potential airport delays and rerouting during the eclipse, while there are fears of disruptions to cellphone service in regions hosting the event.
In response to these challenges, T-Mobile has announced that they are taking steps to ensure uninterrupted cellphone access during the solar eclipse. As the countdown to April 8, 2024 continues, experts are urging the public to remain cautious and vigilant on the roads to prevent a potential uptick in car crash fatalities. Stay tuned to Guam News Factor for the latest updates on this developing story.
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