BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – With Monday’s upcoming eclipse, many will be making their journey to the path of totality.

This phenomenon attracts visitors near and far, and with the total solar eclipse being visible from parts of Kentucky and spring break on the horizon, heavy traffic is to be expected in the commonwealth.

“We have a lot of families who are traveling during the month of April. We also have the eclipse on Monday and starting in Texas and on that diagonal line running up through the country near our area and three parts of Kentucky, we’re going to see a lot of folks traveling on our highways,” said East Central Media Spokesperson Lynda Lambert.

AAA projects that the busiest travel day to be April 6, considering some will turn traveling to see the eclipse into a weekend trip.

It is recommended to plan before hitting the road and input viewing destinations into a GPS to find the best time to travel based on predicted traffic conditions.

Lambert also advises those driving on the day of the eclipse to turn on headlights, put sun visors down, avoid wearing eclipse sunglasses while driving, and keep their eyes on the roads.

“Don’t try to photograph or record the eclipse while you’re driving and please do not pull off to the side of the road. That is extremely dangerous,” Lambert said. “You need to exit the highway and find a parking lot or a side street where you can safely park, exit your vehicle, and view the eclipse and just as importantly, watch for pedestrians because they may not be as in tune with their surroundings, because they’re looking heavenward.”

The eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, from 12:45 p.m. to about 3:30 p.m.

Maximum coverage is predicted to be around 1:03 p.m.

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