Solar Eclipse Safety Tips From INDOT, Indiana State Police

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — If you're looking forward to experiencing Indiana's part of the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) wants you to be aware of and plan for traffic congestion, expected to occur before and after the anticipated event. According to a release from Indiana State Police, INDOT reports 200 million people live within just a day's drive of the total eclipse path, which means many will be driving to get the best view. INDOT notes a partial eclipse will be well seen throughout Indiana, but traveling south improves the view.

INDOT reports if skies are clear Aug. 21’s solar eclipse will be the first that's been visible to all 48 connected states in several hundred years.

Western Kentucky where the moon’s full eclipse of the sun can be viewed within a 70-mile-wide path encompassing Hopkinsville, Paducah, and Madison, KY. What should you do? INDOT urges motorists to allow extra travel time. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Indianapolis Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts and LIKE Indianapolis Patch on Facebook).

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Traffic spots according to INDOT:

• Southbound lanes of I-69, U.S. 41 and U.S. 231 before eclipse, northbound lanes after
• I-65 going to and from total eclipse vantage points beginning at Bowling Green, KY and extending beyond Nashville, TN
• Evansville is set experience a partial eclipse of 99 percent, and Jeffersonville will see 96 percent, so plan for a period of several hours.
• Make plans for overnight accommodations as overnight camping is prohibited at rest areas
• Do not look at the partial eclipse without properly filtrated safety glasses.
• Do not wear the eclipse glasses while driving
• Do not stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder
• Do not take pictures while driving
• Turn your headlights on during the eclipse event

More information and traffic alerts: 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone, public.govdelivery.com or indot.carsprogram.org

(Image via Shutterstock)