PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Whether you’re headed out early to beat the crowd or making an after-work dash to vote, drivers should be mindful of potential congestion near their voting sites.

Traffic will ramp up in Virginia starting around 6 a.m., but North Carolina commuters will see the increase on the roads at 6:30 a.m.

Although schools will be out on election day, drivers should still expect delays near some schools that are polling sites.

Safety officials want to remind voters to be patient, follow traffic signals and watch for pedestrians. It’s also important to note that our roads will get darker earlier in the wake of Daylight Saving Time.

Some traffic safety tips can be found below:

  • Avoid distractions while driving
  • Stick to posted speed limits
  • Use marked crosswalks whenever possible while walking

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