The eclipse could bring traffic jams to Dallas-Fort Worth

Next week's total eclipse is expected to draw so many visitors to Dallas-Fort Worth that state officials are warning traffic could be a mess.

Why it matters: This is the region's first total solar eclipse since 1878 .

• Texas is one of the prime spots for Americans to see the eclipse.

State of play: The region is expecting thousands of visitors this weekend and on Monday for the eclipse. Hotels around downtown Dallas are already 99% booked , per a city memo.

• Traffic is expected to be especially heavy around parks and other outdoor viewing areas.

The intrigue: Road congestion is likely to be bad enough that Dallas has canceled trash and recycling pickup for Monday. All sanitation collection will be delayed by a day next week.

Flashback: About 12 million people lived in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse in August 2017. Nearly 32 million people live in the path of totality this year, per NASA .

• D-FW got a partial view of the 2017 eclipse, and Texas Department of Transportation officials said that event served as a lesson for how to prepare for this year.
• The agency has been preparing for two years for this eclipse, getting equipment and traffic signs together to help direct traffic safely.

What to do: Pull over and park before looking at the eclipse. Don't stop on highways or major thoroughfares, per TxDOT .

• Don't wear eclipse glasses while driving.
• Keep your headlights on April 8, because the eclipse will make it darker.
• Be prepared for sudden stops.

The bottom line: Don't look directly at the sun. And arrive early to wherever you plan to watch the eclipse.