MISSOURI, USA — The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) released highway and public safety recommendations to follow during the total solar eclipse next month.
MoDOT said among other important recommendations, don't wear "eclipse glasses" while driving to or from a total solar eclipse viewing site or festivity. The department provided additional tips to ensure eclipse gazers can experience the highly anticipated planetary event safely:
- Don’t stop along the interstate or any major highways and no parking on the shoulder.
- Please exit the highway to stop and view and/or photograph the solar eclipse.
- Don’t take photographs while driving.
- Turn your headlights on and do not rely on your auto headlights. It will become dark like evening during the eclipse.
- Watch out for extra pedestrians along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside roads in the hour before and hour after the total eclipse.
- Prepare for extra congestion, especially on the interstates and other major highways in the path on the day before and day of the eclipse.
- Don’t wear “eclipse glasses” while you’re driving.
- Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the main path if you can.
- Check traffic conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/ also available as a free app at MoDOT Traveler Information.
The 2024 Missouri Solar Eclipse is anticipated to stretch across more than 115 miles throughout south and southeastern Missouri from West Plains to Cape Girardeau, according to MoDOT.
"Events are planned across southeast Missouri for this extremely rare event," the department said. "Missouri expected to receive large crowds from out of state and out of the country to attend the weekend festivals and watch the eclipse."
In Missouri, state parks and certain cities such as Ste. Genevieve, Perryville, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, and Kennett will be the best places to view totality. In Illinois, Mount Vernon, Benton, Carbondale, Alto Pass, Makanda, Fairfield, Marion, Olney and Metropolis.
For a comprehensive guide to the total solar eclipse in the St. Louis area, click here.
