Staying Safe on the Road This Summer

What to Know Before Your Family Vacation

Summer is the perfect season for family road trips, weekend getaways, and long-awaited vacations. However, with more vehicles on the road and rising temperatures, it’s also a time when car accidents tend to spike. Before you pack up the car and hit the highway, make sure you’re prepared with these essential summer driving safety tips.

Whether you’re exploring Texas or crossing state lines, your family’s safety should come first, and knowing what to do in the event of an accident is just as important as preventing one. Here’s what you need to know before your next trip.

Why Summer Driving Comes with Added Risks

While winter may be notorious for icy roads, summer presents its own driving hazards:

• Increased traffic from vacationers, especially on highways and near popular attractions
• More teen drivers on the road while school is out
• Heat-related breakdowns due to engine overheating or tire blowouts
• Distracted or fatigued drivers logging long hours behind the wheel

Being aware of these factors helps you stay vigilant and better prepare for what’s ahead.

Summer Driving Safety Tips for Families

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: Before any road trip, give your vehicle a full check-up. Inspect your tires, including the spare, brakes, oil levels, and coolant. Texas heat can be brutal on engines, and don’t forget to test your AC system and battery, too. Keep an emergency kit in your car with water, flashlights, a first-aid kit, and jumper cables.
• Plan Ahead: Use GPS to map out your route, check for road closures, and identify rest stops in advance. Try to avoid high-traffic times like Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings when highways are packed with travelers.
• Stay Focused Behind the Wheel: Keep distractions to a minimum. Use hands-free devices if you need to take calls and avoid texting at all costs. If traveling with kids, have snacks, games, and entertainment ready to reduce backseat distractions.
• Buckle Up Every Time: Ensure everyone in the vehicle is using a seatbelt or the ap-propriate child safety seat. Texas law requires children under 8 years old, unless taller than 4’9”, to be secured in a child safety seat or booster seat.
• Beat the Heat: Texas summers can be unforgiving. Keep plenty of water in the car, never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, and make frequent rest stops to stretch and cool off.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident While Traveling

Even with the best planning, accidents can happen. Here’s what to do:

• Move to a safe location and call 911
• Check for injuries and seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms
• Exchange insurance and contact information
• Take photos of the scene, damage, and license plates
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene

If you’re out of town, navigating the insurance claims process can be more complicated. That’s why it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer in Texas who can guide you through your next steps, even if the accident happened far from home.

Why You Should Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer helps ensure your rights are protected after a crash. They can help:

• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Determine the full extent of your injuries and losses
• Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Don’t assume the other party’s insurance company has your best interest in mind. Be-fore signing anything or giving a recorded statement, talk to a qualified car accident law-yer who’s experienced in handling summer travel-related accidents.

Enjoy the Summer, But Stay Prepared

Your vacation should be memorable for all the right reasons. By following these summer driving safety tips, you can protect your loved ones, avoid unnecessary risks, and stay focused on what matters most: making memories.

If the unexpected happens on the road, the Vamos Law Firm team is here to help.