BEDFORD – The total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, and our local viewers are urged to stay home and enjoy the experience. This will help with traffic congestion and allow our out-of-town guests to enter our area safely and on time. If you insist you have to go to a different location to experience the eclipse, be sure you have planned accordingly before you load into your vehicle.
To ensure smooth travel, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Indiana State Police (ISP), and Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) urge drivers to plan and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during, and after the eclipse
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer said having a plan for April 8th will be incredibly important. You should know in advance where you plan to view the eclipse.
Other questions you will want to answer:
- What time does the eclipse occur at my chosen viewing location?
- How long it takes to get there on a typical day?
- How much extra time should you allow for excessive traffic?
- What time should you plan to leave home?
- What route do you plan to take to get there?
Answering these questions in advance will help you feel more at ease on the eclipse day.
Fortunately, you can stay current on traffic situations by downloading the Indiana Department of Transportations Trafficwise App.
With the potential to find yourself stuck in traffic, you will want to be sure that you fill your gas tank before you leave home and a few miles from your final destination. That way, after viewing the eclipse, you will have a full tank of gas in case you find yourself idling on the highway.
Watch for cars to randomly pull over and get out to view the Eclipse anywhere during the totality. If you have to travel, watch for people just pulling off unexpectedly.
Be prepared for gas stations to run out of fuel and snack foods.
Be sure to take cash.
“Systems will be overloaded,” added Luchauer. “And you may only be able to pay with cash.”
A first aid kit should be an essential item in every car. If you don’t already have one, this is as good a time as any to get one. Access to basic needs like bandages, pain relievers, allergy meds, sunscreen, snacks, and bottled water. Blankets and lawn chairs are also a good idea. Be prepared for Indiana’s changing weather.
Be prepared to get stuck in traffic.
Due to the number of visitors expected in Southern Indiana, particularly Monroe County, we could see
long-term traffic congestion and hour-long delays,’ added Luchauer. “Traffic back-ups in areas not commonly seen. All other areas that have experienced eclipse totality have reported traffic backups for miles, including 10-12 hour delays in getting to their destination for an average trip that could take two hours.”
Plan to take some activities for children if you are stuck in your vehicle for hours.
What do you do if you need to release yourself while stuck in traffic?
“You can buy disposable urine bags online and in most sporting goods stores,” added Luchauer. “These are small bags made of durable weight plastic, and often filled with a liquid-absorbing gel, that seal up tightly when you’re through. Keeping a few of these in the car might save the day.”
