BROWNWOOD — 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.