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Nation's Truck Drivers Prepare for Solar Eclipse
USAgNet - 08/21/2017

American Trucking Associations, along with millions of travelers and 3.5 million American truck drivers, will watch the solar eclipse on Aug. 21. The trucking industry is responsible for moving the nation's goods during the eclipse and asks for the public's assistance in ensuring safety on the country's roads and bridges.

"Since the last time we saw a solar eclipse from U.S. soil, the amount of cars on our roads has multiplied by 50 times, the demand for goods has grown, and highway users are more distracted than ever with new technology," said ATA Chairman Kevin Burch, president of Jet Express Inc. "It is important that we all work together and practice safety during moments like this and remember that even the smallest unsafe decision can ruin what could be a treasured memory."

The Moon's umbra shadow, commonly referred to as the "path of totality," will span 70 miles wide from Oregon to South Carolina. Nearly 200 million people live within a day's drive of the path and travel experts, including the Federal Highway Administration, expect an increase in traffic in places where the path will be easily accessible. The path of totality will first make landfall stateside at Lincoln Beach, Oregon at 9:05 a.m. PDT before continuing across the continental U.S. through 12 states before reaching South Carolina.

In preparation for the eclipse, the trucking industry recommends leaving early to find a safe place to view the eclipse. AAA and the Federal Communications Commission advise travelers that weather conditions will play a significant factor in where eclipse viewers decide to set up for the viewing. Should inclement weather effect potential viewing, travelers may decide to adjust locations, further congesting the roads that are expected to see an influx of traffic. Because motorists will be traveling to the path of totality from hundreds of miles, many motorists may not be familiar with the roads, terrain and climate. By following standard safety tips and understanding the added highway volume, all motorists can reduce stress and improve their solar eclipse experience.

"I, along with 3.5 million professional truck drivers, ask that everyone who is traveling to view the eclipse on Monday do so in a safe, patient manner in order to ensure safe driving conditions for every motorist and passenger," said America's Road Team Captain Chuck Lobsiger of Walmart Transportation. "It is our collective responsibility to practice safety before, during, and after the eclipse so that everyone can get home and appreciate this historic event."

Safety on the highways is the ultimate goal of America's Road Team, which is why the group of elite professional truck drivers reminds the general motoring public to pay full attention on the road while driving and to be aware of the high volume of travelers. The trucking industry invests more than $9.5 billion on safety each year and believes that the most important item on a traveler's agenda during this phenomenon is practicing safety to ensure all drivers and passengers arrive safely to their destinations.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.


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