Scientists at the University of Toronto have issued a warning regarding a potential increase in fatal car crashes during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Citing data from the 2017 solar eclipse, researchers found that there were over 1,000 additional road deaths across the United States in the three days before and after the celestial event.

According to the study, the average number of daily car deaths in the US is approximately 114. However, during the week of the previous solar eclipse, there was a significant spike in fatalities, with at least 189 deaths reported each day. This rise in car crash incidents can be attributed to the increased traffic caused by millions of people traveling to cities in the path of totality.

It is estimated that over 3.7 million individuals will journey to one of the 14 states, including Maine, Kentucky, Idaho, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas, to witness the solar eclipse. Texas alone is expected to welcome the highest number of travelers, ranging from 270,000 to one million visitors due to its prime location for viewing the event. Indiana is projected to host between 131,000 and 522,000 people.

However, the surge in demand for car rentals and hotel accommodations has resulted in soaring prices. In Dallas, hotel bookings leading up to the solar eclipse have witnessed a staggering 571 percent boost. Similarly, hotel prices in Waco, Texas have risen by 81 percent, while Cleveland and Austin experienced increases of 33 percent and 34 percent, respectively.

The report highlights that the overall increased traffic risk during the solar eclipse is comparable to major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July weekend. The influx of visitors and heightened congestion on the roads pose significant challenges for ensuring road safety.

The upcoming total solar eclipse will traverse a narrow path through North and Central America, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle visible to an estimated 32 million people. This event marks the first solar eclipse visible from the US since August 2017, which also witnessed a 95 percent increase in traffic risks during the eclipse period.

As authorities brace for the influx of tourists and increased traffic, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize safety and exercise caution while driving during the solar eclipse. With road fatalities expected to rise significantly, it is imperative for motorists to be vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent tragic accidents.

The total solar eclipse will commence in Mexico and will be visible in a series of states throughout its path. The first state in the US to witness the total eclipse on April 8 will be [No state mentioned in the provided information]. From there, it will pass through [No additional states mentioned in the provided information].