As the April 8 total solar eclipse approaches, concerns regarding travel safety continue to rise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already issued travel warnings, cautioning the public about potential delays and massive crowds. Now, a new research letter published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine reveals another travel concern - an uptick in fatal traffic accidents during the eclipse period.

According to Newsweek, the research letter highlights a 31% rise in fatal traffic accidents during the 2017 total eclipse, as well as the days leading up to and following it. Researchers found that road traffic fatality rates increased from an average of 7.9 per hour to 10.3 per hour during the three-day span of the eclipse. Interestingly, the increase was primarily attributed to the large number of people flocking to the path of totality, rather than driving during the darkness of the eclipse itself.

The study also revealed that fatal accidents actually decreased during the eclipse itself, indicating that the period of greatest risk was immediately after the totality. Newsweek reports that there was a 50% higher risk of accidents during this post-totality period compared to the average.

The path of totality for the April 8 eclipse is expected to be wider than that of the 2017 eclipse, stretching across 15 states and covering an estimated 200 million people within driving range. Starting in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and ending in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET (2:25 CT), the eclipse will impact states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Portions of Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee will also experience totality.

With the potential risks in mind, the study's authors offer common-sense advice to minimize accidents. They recommend obeying speed limits, reducing distractions while driving, wearing seatbelts, and avoiding impaired driving.

As the eclipse draws near, it is crucial for individuals planning to travel during this time to exercise caution and prioritize safety. Taking the necessary precautions can help mitigate the risks associated with the influx of eclipse-related traffic.