The solar eclipse this Wednesday, August 12, will coincide with a time frame in which there will still be numerous vehicles circulating on Spanish roads. If the phenomenon surprises the driver during the journey, the recommendation from the General Directorate of Traffic is clear: they must keep their attention on the road, turn on the low beams, and continue without trying to observe, photograph, or record the eclipse.
The DGT has designed a special device due to the risk of distractions, delays, and improvised stops. Traffic considers the eclipse a High Traffic Impact Event and warns that the simultaneous return from observation points can become one of the most delicate moments of the day.
Do not look at the Sun while driving
The driver should not attempt to follow the progress of the eclipse or direct their gaze towards the Sun, even if the disk appears almost completely hidden. Besides the risk of suffering an eye injury, taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds can be enough to cause an accident.
Specific eclipse glasses should also not be used while driving. These products are designed to block almost all visible light except that coming from the Sun and, therefore, prevent seeing the road, vehicles, signs, and pedestrians properly.
The glasses should be reserved exclusively for observing the phenomenon from a safe place, once the vehicle is parked off the road and in an authorized space.
The DGT recommends using the car's sun visor if the low position of the Sun causes glare. It will also be necessary to adjust speed to visibility conditions and increase the distance from the preceding vehicle.
Turn on low beams during the darkening
In the towns located within the totality zone, the Moon will completely cover the solar disk and there will be a sudden decrease in brightness. It will not be a pitch-black night, but for a few moments the surroundings may take on an appearance similar to that of a very advanced sunset.
In light of this change, drivers must keep their low beams on to see and, above all, be seen by the rest of the users. It is not enough to rely on the vehicle's automatic lighting system to activate in time.
The reduction of light can also make it difficult to locate cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, especially on secondary roads and in the vicinity of the chosen points to observe the eclipse. Traffic asks to reduce speed and increase vigilance in these areas.
Driving, no photos or videos
The DGT also expressly discourages manipulating mobile phones, cameras, or any other device to photograph or record the eclipse while driving.
The prohibition also affects those who intend to place the phone next to the windshield, aim a camera at the Sun, or start a recording while in motion. All these actions divert attention and can reduce control over the vehicle.
If one wants to photograph the eclipse, it will be necessary to arrive beforehand at an authorized location, park correctly, and use the appropriate solar filters for both observation and photographic equipment.
You cannot stop on the shoulder to see the eclipse
The DGT establishes an absolute prohibition on stopping the vehicle on the roadway or on the shoulder to contemplate the phenomenon. A brief stop should not be made under the argument that the totality will only last a few minutes.
The shoulders must remain clear for emergencies and do not constitute safe observation spaces. A stopped car can cause sudden braking, delays, accidents, or collisions, in addition to obstructing the passage of ambulances, firefighters, and agents.
Those who want to contemplate the eclipse must completely leave the road and park only in designated areas or in spaces where it is allowed. The autonomous communities have reported more than 360 safe observation points distributed throughout the territory.
Traffic recommends choosing locations with sufficient parking and adequate access. It also advises avoiding secondary roads, small viewpoints, or natural spaces whose capacity may be exceeded.
The return will be the most complicated moment
The arrival at the observation points can be spread over several hours, but the departure will concentrate immediately after totality. The DGT considers that the simultaneous return will be one of the moments with the highest risk of delays, especially on secondary roads and accesses to viewpoints or rural areas.
For this reason, it is recommended to stay in the place for a while once the eclipse is over and stagger the return trip. Starting the march immediately does not guarantee arriving earlier if the accesses are already congested.
The forecasts cited by Traffic point to the arrival of 446,700 additional visitors between August 10 and 16, of which 164,000 will come from abroad and 282,700 from other points in Spain. In addition, 8.4% of the people with plans to observe the eclipse expect to travel to a different province from their residence.
Special surveillance and possible restrictions
The Traffic Group of the Civil Guard will reinforce surveillance on the main routes to the observation areas. The agents will try to avoid dangerous parking, regulate traffic, and keep accesses clear for emergency services.
The device also includes preventive controls for alcohol and drugs, aerial surveillance, and continuous monitoring from traffic management centers. Detours, access limitations, or capacity controls may be established if excessive concentrations occur.
Although there will be no widespread restrictions for cars, Catalonia, Navarre, and the Basque Country have implemented specific measures for certain heavy vehicles during the hours close to the eclipse.
Before starting the journey and during the return, it is advisable to consult the official traffic and incident map of the DGT, the variable message panels, the official Traffic accounts, or the phone 011.