DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) -- While the eclipse will last for a few minutes, traffic delays may prove to be a different story. Here's what experts say motorist should expect once the eclipse ends.
As visitors to the Miami Valley arrive for the total solar eclipse, ODOT is reminding everyone of a few tips to be best prepared for the event.
ODOT reminds motorists to avoid stopping in traffic while attempting to view the eclipse as this can cause a major traffic hazard for other drivers and emergency service workers in the area.
Matt Bruning, press secretary at ODOT, says that the organization is prepped and ready for the day ahead, but are concerned about that potential risk in particular.
"We just need people to be responsible. We understand everybody wants to see it, it's a once in a lifetime thing, but we want people to make sure you're doing that responsibly."
ODOT also expects traffic to be very busy as the sun reemerges from behind the moon following totality.
"I kind of equate it to like fireworks show, right. Everybody kind of trickles in throughout the day, getting ready, maybe have a barbecue or two, and then the fireworks go off and the grand finale happens and that's when everyone leaves simultaneously," Bruning said.
This means that it may take longer for motorists to get home. ODOT advises that drivers fill their gas tanks as they could be sitting in traffic for a few hours.
Despite this, Bruning and ODOT don't want to paint a negative picture of what's ahead.
"We're not trying to present a doom and gloom picture here. We're trying to set expectations. The expectation should be that it's going to take a lot longer to travel after the event than it did before the event," Bruning said.
Motorists are asked to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol at #677 if they see any vehicles parked along the road or if the need for assistance arises.