WASHINGTON 鈥� The D.C. area will start to see the impact of Monday鈥檚 solar eclipse around 1:17 p.m., with the peak blockage coming between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. And while most of the solar show is going to take place before the start of the afternoon rush hour, there will still be lots of cars on the road.
That鈥檚 why electronic signs along highways like U.S. 50 and the Capital Beltway all say the same thing: 鈥淣o Parking On Highway.鈥�
鈥淧repare for extra congestion,鈥� said Maryland State Highway鈥檚 Charlie Gischler. 鈥淒on鈥檛 stop along interstates or park on the shoulders during the event. Exit the highway to a safe location to view and photograph the eclipse.鈥�
But if you鈥檙e in a rush, you shouldn鈥檛 try to save a few minutes by being sneaky.
鈥淥bviously don鈥檛 take photographs while driving, keep your attention focused on the road ahead,鈥� said Gischler.
And perhaps most importantly, 鈥淒on鈥檛 try to wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.鈥�
Transportation leaders also are asking for extra caution while driving through work zones.
鈥淲atch out for pedestrians and bicyclists鈥� too, said Gischler. 鈥淧eople may be randomly parking and walking along the road side during the time of the eclipse to get a good view.鈥�
If your eyes are in the sky and not on the road, bad things could happen.
