MAINE, Maine — The total solar eclipse is less than three weeks away, and northern Maine is in the path of totality, meaning a lot of people from in-state and out-of-state will be in the area on April 8 to be a part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
AAA of Northern New England has some travel tips ahead of the big day. Pat Moody, the organization's director of public affairs, told NEWS CENTER Maine that roads will be busy leading up to the event and even worse on Monday, April 8.
Moody said there's a chance you might get stuck in traffic before you get to where you'd like to view the eclipse. If that happens, he said to get off at an exit and get out of your vehicle safely if you want to look up at the sky, but don't pull along the interstate. Also, do not try to take photos while driving. It's illegal.
Moody said to watch out for distracted drivers or people on the side of the road who might also be distracted as they try to get a good glimpse of the eclipse.
Also, Moody said you should not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
"There will be a lot of folks traveling from outside the state. We know it's 'vacationland,' so when people come from outside the state there's a lot of distraction in that alone, just trying to navigate the roads that they are not familiar with. So, add on top of that the phenomenon where they are looking up and distracted, there could be really a risk out there on our highways," he explained. "So certainly a time where you need to step up your defensive driving game and also pay attention to everything that is going out there."
On top of that, Moody said it's also important to take care of your vehicle and to make sure your gas tank is full before you hit the road, to avoid running out of fuel during traffic jams.
"Often our calls for help are related to battery issues and also keys locked in cars, which could happen when you're excited and want to take a look at the sky and see the eclipse -- you might do something like that," he explained. "And then also tire-related issues and towing. So we want you to make sure that you're having that enjoyable time with your friends and family, so make sure the vehicle is ready for the trip ahead."
Also, consider traveling with a roadside emergency kit, extra food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, a cellphone charger, a flashlight, and extra cash.
Here are some other driving tips from AAA:
- Choose courtesy. Be watchful, alert and courteous of others on the roads, highways and interstates
- Do not drive distracted; don’t use a cell phone or other devices while driving. Focus on the “task” of driving
- Do not drive or park on dry grass – it’s a fire danger
- To view and/or photograph the eclipse, exit the highway to a safe location
- While operating a vehicle, don’t wear eclipse glasses
- Turn your headlights on -- do not rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks out the sun. Make sure lights are on once the moon crosses in front of the sun.
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists along smaller roads. People may be parking, walking and cycling alongside the road before the eclipse to get a view. Look for pedestrians who also may be looking up and not looking ahead.
- Anticipate heavy congestion, especially on the interstates in the path on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.
Car care tips from AAA:
- The top three roadside assistance calls to AAA in the spring are for dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts, and some motorists may run out of fuel in bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. If driving to see the eclipse, schedule a vehicle checkup beforehand.
- Travel with an emergency kit in your car with food, water, medications, flashlight, first-aid kit, flares or emergency triangles, cell phone, cell phone charger, windshield washer fluid and extra cash.
- Leave early and expect delays. Roadways around the “totality” zone will be extremely busy. Be patient.
- Keep sufficient fuel in your tank. Keep the level at about half a tank. Carry food and water for your passengers and pets.
- Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in your car.