East Texas eclipse day traffic and safety tips

TYLER – Monday April 8 is the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse. Our news partner KETK shared some tips from state officials to keep you safe this weekend and Monday.

TxDOT issued a statement warning residents of some East Texas areas that they anticipate will see heavy traffic on Monday. TxDOT listed the following roads for potential heavy traffic: I-20, State Highway 64, State Highway 31, US 175, State Highway 198, US 69, State Highway 19, State Highway 155, Loop 323, US 79, US 271, US 80 and State Highway 243

TxDOT also urged residents that may be on the road during the eclipse to not attempt viewing the eclipse while driving or pulling over to the shoulder to view the eclipse. They also said to take the extra travel time in anticipation of more drivers on the road during this time. Texas A&M Forest Service reminds those viewing the eclipse outdoors to be aware their vehicles are not parked on roots of trees, travel on designated roads and do not park or idle vehicles over tall dry grass.

The correct eyewear to view the eclipse is vital. The American Astronomy Society (AAS) said that viewing lenses have to be certified in compliance with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard in order to be considered safe for eclipse viewing. The AAS suggests the best way to ensure eclipse glasses are certified is get them from a trusted source, such as a science museum or planetarium. Officials also said that while it is impossible to verify ISO-compliance without lab testing. The AAS said that ISO-compliant glasses should block all light except for the sun, or a comparably bright light.