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Hitting the road is a favorite American pastime. However, if you want good memories of your road trip, it’s essential to follow these road safety tips:
Look at the different routes to your destination and choose the safest one. Look for any potential delays, such as construction zones, as well as possible detours if a problem arises. Let a loved one know your route and check in with them at designated times.
Driving the speed limit can help avoid accidents because higher speeds mean less time to stop once you recognize a hazard. Also, this practice can help you prevent a pesky ticket during your summer vacation.
With most schools closed and many people going on vacation, summer is a popular time to travel. Expect crowded roads and traffic congestion. Keep an eye out for aggressive drivers who are irritated with traffic, and give them plenty of space.
One of the biggest risks during summer travel is heat exposure—for both your vehicle and your passengers. Cars can overheat, and interior temperatures can rise quickly, creating dangerous conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke can occur in minutes when a child is left unattended in a parked car. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, making early precautions crucial.
Avoid the hottest parts of the day—typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Schedule your trip for early morning or late evening when temperatures are more manageable.
Hot weather puts extra strain on your vehicle’s air conditioner. Make sure it’s working properly before your trip. A malfunctioning A/C system can lead to uncomfortable—and potentially dangerous—conditions inside your car.
Summer heat causes rubber components to deteriorate faster. Have your belts and hoses inspected before long drives to reduce the risk of a roadside breakdown.
Schedule a summer tune-up with your mechanic. Key areas to check include coolant levels, radiator performance, fan belts, tire condition, battery health, and brake fluid. Ensuring your vehicle is in top shape will help you avoid mechanical failures during your travels.
When heading out on a summer road trip, preparation goes beyond hotel bookings and entertainment. A well-stocked emergency kit can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious roadside situation. Summer heat, longer drive times, and unexpected vehicle issues make a travel kit even more important.
What should your summer emergency kit include? Start with the basics: a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable snacks (like trail mix or protein bars), a flashlight with extra batteries, and jumper cables. These items will keep you fed, hydrated, and visible if you’re stranded in a remote area.
Also consider seasonal essentials. Include sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself during breakdowns in the sun or while waiting outside your car. A battery-powered fan or cooling towels can provide temporary relief from heat while help is on the way. A phone charger or backup battery pack ensures you can call for roadside assistance, even if your car’s battery dies.
Other useful tools include a multi-purpose utility knife, road flares or reflective triangles, and a basic tool kit. If you’re traveling with children or pets, pack extra water, wipes, and any medications they might need.
Being ready for the unexpected helps reduce panic during emergencies and keeps everyone safer until help arrives.
Family road trips are a summer staple, but keeping your most vulnerable passengers safe should always be a top priority. Children and pets are especially susceptible to summer heat, and even a few minutes in a hot car can turn dangerous or even deadly.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a quick trip into a gas station or rest stop. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a car can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Heatstroke can set in rapidly, with children and pets unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults.
Inside the vehicle, use appropriate restraints for all passengers. Kids should be in age- and size-appropriate car seats or booster seats. Pets should be secured with travel harnesses or pet carriers. Letting animals or children roam freely in the car is a distraction and a serious risk in the event of an accident.
For longer drives, bring plenty of snacks, water, toys, and entertainment to keep little ones calm and occupied. For pets, schedule breaks for walks, bathroom trips, and fresh air. A quiet, stress-free backseat helps the driver stay focused—and reduces the chances of an accident.
While summer is known for sunny skies and warm temperatures, it’s also a season of unpredictable weather, especially in Texas. Afternoon thunderstorms, sudden downpours, and extreme heat can all affect road conditions and driving safety.
Before hitting the road, check the local weather forecast for your entire route—not just your destination. Free apps like Weather.com or AccuWeather can alert you to severe weather warnings, including heat advisories and flash flood risks.
If storms are in the forecast, consider altering your travel time. Driving in heavy rain can reduce visibility, increase the risk of hydroplaning, and make stopping distances longer. If you must drive during bad weather, slow down, use your headlights, and keep a safe following distance.
Extreme heat can also cause problems, such as tire blowouts, overheating engines, and heatstroke. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape before traveling, especially your tires, coolant, and air conditioning system.
If caught in a storm, pull over in a safe, covered area (not under trees) and wait it out. Avoid flooded roads entirely, as water depth is difficult to judge and even a few inches can sweep away a vehicle.
If you are injured in an accident during your summer road travel, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney in El Paso from the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC for help. We provide a free consultation where you can discuss your case and legal options with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Contact us today to get started.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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