SOUTH HERO, Vt. (WCAX) – Thousands of folks are expected to be on the road during next week’s eclipse. Vermont and federal authorities are using the celestial event as an opportunity to remind drivers of the rules of the road.
“With an estimated maximum of 160,000 people and 60,000 vehicles expected to enter Vermont, the Agency of Transportation encourages Vermonters to prepare in advance,” said Jayna Morse with VTrans. “Avoiding nonessential travel on April 8 for your own convenience and to help reduce travel and congestion.”
Officials gathered in South Hero, which is expected to have the longest duration of totality in the state. With the influx of visitors, police are planning increased enforcement to crack down on distracted driving in the Champlain Islands and beyond. “Nationally, there were 3,308 fatalities due to distracted driving in 2022 alone,” said Vermont State Police Lt. Paul Ravelin.
In Vermont, 37 deaths and 272 injuries have been linked to distracted drivers from 2018 to 2022. “Program your phone to send an auto response to your friends and family members that you are driving and unable to answer the phone,” Ravelin said. Authorities say texting, emailing are also illegal. And instead of eating behind the wheel, officials say just take a rest stop.
“Encourage your family and friends who come for the eclipse to be prepared for delays or stay longer to avoid the anticipated traffic congestion and potentially very long delays on state highways and interstates in the greater Burlington area and beyond,” Morse said.
And while it may seem obvious, officials also advise to not wear eclipse glasses while driving.