Spain's traffic authority is warning drivers to follow specific safety protocols during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 [1].
The guidelines aim to prevent traffic accidents caused by sudden darkness and the dangerous practice of stopping vehicles on active roadways to view the celestial event.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) said that drivers must activate their low-beam headlights during the totality phase. A DGT spokesperson said that when the moon completely covers the sun and total darkness occurs, it will be like driving at night [5].
Authorities are also prohibiting the use of non-certified eyewear while operating a vehicle. The agency said that only approved protective glasses should be used to ensure driver visibility and safety.
One of the primary concerns for the DGT is the risk of motorists abandoning their vehicles in the roadway. Stopping a car on the road to observe the eclipse can result in a fine of 200 euros [2].
These restrictions apply across the Spanish peninsula, including Catalonia, and the Valencian Community [2, 4]. The DGT said that the darkness of the totality phase significantly increases the risk of collisions if drivers are not properly illuminated or are obstructed by stopped cars [5].
This event marks a rare astronomical occurrence for the region. According to official data, the last total eclipse visible on the peninsula occurred in 1812 [3].
“"When the moon completely covers the sun and total darkness occurs, it will be like driving at night."”
The DGT's proactive stance reflects the high potential for traffic chaos during rare astronomical events. By treating the period of totality as nighttime and criminalizing roadside stops, Spain is attempting to mitigate the 'spectator effect,' where curiosity overrides road safety, potentially leading to pile-ups in areas of high visibility.
