The Texas Department of Transportation is warning drivers to take extra caution on Monday, April 8, as a total solar eclipse will be visible throughout the state from late morning to early afternoon.

As this intergalactic experience comes front and center, out-of-state visitors and Texans traveling to get a perfect view are expected to cause heavier traffic than usual. Plan ahead for possible delays and give yourself extra time to get to your destination before and after the eclipse.

Also make sure that you pull into a safe location to watch the eclipse and avoid stopping on the roadway or parking on the shoulder. Do not try to view the eclipse while driving. TxDOT has multiple safety rest areas and Travel Information Centers with safe places to park. Those locations and real-time traffic updates can be found at drivetexas.org.

Here are more safety tips for the day of the eclipse:

• Prepare your vehicle and yourself for extra time on the road. That means checking tire pressure and bringing water and snacks in case you need to sit in traffic for a while.
• Be calm and courteous on the road, slow down and be ready for increased traffic.
• Dispose of all waste in a proper trash can, no exceptions. Don’t mess with Texas means don’t litter.

Highway message boards will warn drivers not to stop on the road or park on the shoulder, and to keep moving. For more information, visit the eclipse web page on txdot.gov.

Those planning to travel this weekend (and on Monday) should expect extra traffic. Significant delays could occur on major corridors throughout the state. Motorists are asked to plan extra time for travel before and after the event. Check DriveTexas.org for real-time traffic updates before traveling. Prepare yourself mentally, be calm and courteous on the road, expect more traffic, and enjoy this unique experience in Texas.

Safety tips:

• Turn on headlights, this illuminates the vehicle’s tail lights as well, to be seen during times of low visibility or darkness during the eclipse.
• Prepare your vehicle: Check your tires, windshield wipers, vehicle fluids, and refuel your vehicle before traveling and after the event—in case you are delayed in traffic for an extended period.
• Bring snacks and water in case of traffic or shortages.
• Do not drive with eclipse glasses or other protective eyewear.
• Pull into a safe location, off the road, to view the eclipse.

• Do not park in the roadway or on the shoulder, this can slow down traffic and is dangerous for you and other motorists!
• Do not park in tall grass. Hot cars on dry grass can cause wildfires.

• Respect the beauty of wildflowers in Texas by not parking in the right of way. Help us keep our wildflowers safe so they can grow and produce seeds for next year’s wildflower season.
• Dispose of all waste in a proper trash can, no exceptions. Don’t mess with Texas means don’t litter.