Road Trip Safety Tips: A Driver's Complete 2026 Pre-Trip Checklist

Did you know approximately 130 million Americans take a road trip each year? Auto travel is preferred for many reasons, from convenience and accessibility to sightseeing and off-the-beaten-track adventures. The USA is the ideal place for a road trip, whether you’re heading a few hours away or just starting out on a cross-country journey. Wherever you’re headed, it’s worth following these vehicle safety tips and general safe driving tips to help protect you, your passengers, and your car. Dive into our comprehensive guide to road trip safety, backed by insights from industry leaders like the AAA, NHTSA, CDC, and FEMA.

It’s best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for three or more hours. That’s because the heat generated from driving can raise tire pressure and give a false reading.

With the penny test, you place a one-cent coin upside down in the tread to see if Lincoln’s head is covered. The penny test is now outdated, as it measures down to the minimum legal limit of 2/32 of an inch. At that point, tires may already be unsafe in wet conditions because they have less grip, take longer to stop, and are more likely to hydroplane.

If you hear squealing, grinding, or other noises when testing your brakes, see a mechanic before your trip. It’s also worth checking under the hood to see the brake fluid level, which should fall within the MIN and MAX markers. If you don’t have enough, make sure to top up before leaving town.

Rubber belts and hoses suffer more wear and tear in the heat. Before any road trip, check under the hood for obvious blisters, bulges, cracks, or cuts on these components. Damaged belts and hoses should be replaced, and hose connections should be checked to ensure they are secure. Your car battery should be tested every six months to a year, so if it’s been longer, have a mechanic check it out. If you drive a hybrid-electric vehicle, make sure there’s gasoline in the tank, just in case.

Check that headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all working, as well as the hazards and interior lights. Test your windshield wipers to make sure they are running smoothly and not sticking or too slow. As for air conditioning, note any performance lags, which a mechanic can look into to get the climate control system running at full capacity.

Between 20 and 30 million vehicles are recalled annually in the U.S. It’s best to check for recalls before a big journey to make sure your vehicle isn’t on the list. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a VIN Look-up Tool where you can enter the vehicle identification number or license plate to check for safety issues and how to access free repairs. For recall alerts sent straight to your phone, try the NHTSA SaferCar app.

In 2024, there were 27 million calls for AAA roadside assistance, including 13 million for towing and 7 million for battery issues. Proactive maintenance can prevent breakdowns and callouts so you can get to and from your destination on schedule.

There are a few things you can do at home to tick things off your road trip car checklist:

• Check and refill fluid levels, including gas, oil, coolant, transmission, and washer.
• Inspect tires for uneven tread and foreign objects, and check the tire pressure on all four and the spare.
• Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• Run the windshield wipers and AC/heat.
• Clean your windows for strong visibility.
• Pack an emergency road trip kit.

Aside from these DIY tasks, it’s best to visit a mechanic for a professional look at your engine, brakes, suspension, and battery. Once testing and any required repairs are complete, you will be ready to hit the road in safe style.

When planning a winter trip, make sure to pack an extra blanket for safety and warmth. An emergency rescue blanket is a great option that is lightweight, compact, and could help prevent hypothermia by reflecting body heat back towards you.

One unexpected emergency kit essential is cat litter, a very affordable and versatile addition. Cat litter is great for defogging windshields, absorbing spills, and generating traction to free cars stuck in snow or ice.

Flares are another great cold-weather addition, providing a visible signal to other drivers and first responders and helping protect your safety in the event of a breakdown or accident.

Summer driving safety tips are all about keeping you and your car cool on long journeys. The best summer road trip emergency kits include plenty of drinking water and a sunshade, which can serve as shelter to keep you cool if you get stranded. In addition to providing portable shade, it can be used as a ground mat or as a reflective signal to ask for help. Lastly, pack an extra bottle of coolant to help prevent an overheated engine, especially on long drives, as you can top off the system throughout your trip.

The CDC recommends the following items for a road emergency kit: flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, jumper cables, batteries, and bottled water. During winter trips, add an ice scraper and blanket.

FEMA’s list of disaster supplies may inspire you to add more to your road safety kit.Ready.gov recommends one gallon of water per person, local maps, moist towelettes, a wrench, pliers, and a portable phone charger.

Communication is a top priority in road travel safety tips. By sharing your itinerary, you give loved ones peace of mind by letting them track your progress and assist with emergency response if something happens. If you’re comfortable, you can share your location on your smartphone and use an app like Find My Friends. If you have a breakdown in a remote location or have a medical emergency, a family member or friend can send help, especially if you don’t check in when planned.

NHTSA estimates over 90,000 crashes are caused by drowsy drivers every year. Road travel safety tips for avoiding fatigue include stopping every 2 hours for 15-20 minutes and limiting total driving time to 8-10 hours. Make sure to actually get out of the car, stretch your arms and legs, and walk around before your next stint behind the wheel.

Set a timer to remind yourself to stop every 100 to 150 miles, and pull over sooner if you show signs of fatigue, such as yawning, wandering thoughts, heavy eyes, or blurred vision. If you are drifting out of your lane or want to check your phone or eat, it’s best to take a break to regain your focus and stay safe.

Driving defensively is about anticipating potential road hazards, dangerous conditions, and driving mistakes. For example, scanning roads for crossing wildlife and slowing down on wet roads can make a huge difference in preventing accidents. Make sure to adjust your headlights if it’s dark outside, raining, or snowing, and watch out for fog and wildfire smoke that may affect visibility.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, forward-facing car seats through at least 4 years, and belt-positioning boosters through at least 8 years of age. Lap and shoulder belts should be worn by all children after outgrowing booster seats. All children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat and be properly buckled.

The NHTSA has child passenger safety recommendations to ensure the appropriate seat for every age and size. Before your trip, visit NHTSA’s Inspection Locator to find a free car seat check in your local area, plus info on virtual inspections. Another important tip is to stop. Look. Lock. Always check the car’s back seat before exiting, and after locking, put the keys out of reach so little ones cannot play or end up trapped inside the vehicle.

To keep your pet safe, follow pet road trip guidelines such as secure restraints, routine breaks, and smart packing. The back seat is best, as furry friends can be seriously injured by front airbags. Properly restrain your pet with a crash-tested harness or secured travel crate. While cute, it is never a good idea to let your dog hang their head out of an open window, as flying debris and sudden stops can hurt them. Factor pit stops every two hours for dogs to stretch, drink, and go to the toilet. Pack fresh water, collapsible bowls, bags, and a collar identification tag. Make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date, too.

Summer driving safety tips focus on keeping you and your car cool while also watching out for dangerous weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms and flooding. The CDC Heat & Health Tracker shows you how extreme heat is affecting your destination and any notable stops along the way, with valuable information on how to combat heat exposure.

Summer road trip plans should account for high temperatures, which increase the chance of overheated engines, blown tires, and fatigued/dehydrated drivers. To prepare your vehicle, check tire pressure when cold, ensure tire tread is at least 4/32 of an inch, and test air conditioning performance.

It’s best to beat the heat, so try to get on the road during the early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler. Remember to stop for a break every two hours and share driving duties. Don’t forget to reduce your speed(max speed between 55-65mph) when towing heavy trailers, boats, or caravans to account for increased stopping distance.

Keep the ride as comfortable as possible for all passengers by making sure drinking water is readily available, and window sunshades/sunglasses are used to minimize glare. Never leave kids or family pets in a parked vehicle, have an emergency kit prepared, and assign a passenger to handle GPS navigation.

Much of the USA experiences colder temperatures, slick roadways from rain, snow, sleet, and ice, and reduced visibility during the winter months. These weather conditions require extra caution when driving, paying close attention to winter vehicle safety tips. Many newer makes and models have “snow mode” features that improve traction and help keep drivers safe in inclement weather. It’s worth checking out My Car Does What?, a National Safety Council campaign that educates drivers about built-in safety features. Search for your vehicle and learn more about included features, such as standard traction control for wet surfaces, and anti-lock braking systems to help steer in an emergency.

Before a winter road trip, there are a few mechanical checks and modifications to consider. Swapping to winter tires is a big one, especially when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F, to maximize traction. Check the tread depth and pressure, keeping in mind that cold air can quickly deflate tires. Freezing temps also decrease cranking power, so it’s worth having a mechanic test the battery.

To make sure you’re prepared to combat black ice, heavy snowfall, and cold temps, consider upgrading to heavy-duty wiper blades and investing in extra winter-grade, freeze-resistant windshield wiper fluid. You can also switch to a thinner, winter-blend engine oil to keep it lubricated for cold startups.

Look out for black ice, especially on overpasses, bridges, and shaded areas where invisible ice is more likely to form. Increase your following distance and avoid slamming on the brakes, since that can lock your wheels and make it harder to regain control. If you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and gently steer in the direction you want to go.

Wildfires can strike quickly and spread rapidly, making them a major road trip hazard, especially in hotspots across the Western United States. FEMA tracks current and historical wildfire activity on a public dashboard, which you should monitor before you go and while on the road. In the event of a wildfire, roads can close quickly, and smoke can impair visibility for hundreds of miles. If you are traveling on an evacuation route, you can expect heavy traffic, which increases road hazards. Track emergency alerts and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The top long-road-trip tips for wildfire and smoke season include keeping an eye on fire danger ratings and bans along your route and at your destination, and downloading local emergency apps to stay informed. If it’s a high fire-danger day, the best approach is to delay travel or at least be prepared to take an alternate route. Make sure you have enough water and first-aid supplies in your emergency kit, and keep your vehicle well-serviced and fueled.

As for behind the wheel, never try to bypass a wildfire closure or find a way around the fire front, unless emergency services direct you there. Keep in mind that smoke drastically reduces visibility, so you will want to switch your headlights on, but avoid high beams, which reflect smoke particles. Thick smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, so switch the AC to recirculation to keep outdoor air and ash from being pulled inside the car.

If wildfire smoke reduces your visibility to zero, pull off to a clear area, ideally away from tall grass, trees, and dense scrub. Put your hazard lights on, and close all windows and air vents. Turn off your engine and protect yourself against radiant heat by staying below window level until emergency services can assist or the air is cleared.

EV road trip guidelines involve planning for charging stops and how far to drive within your car’s range. EVs can travel anywhere from 200 to 350 miles on a single charge, so plan your itinerary based on your car’s expected range. EV charging slows down at 80%, so shorter, more frequent stops are better for the battery. Balance this with your road trip itinerary by researching gas stations and other pit stops with EV chargers, and check station status via an app throughout the journey. Keep a backup in mind, as some chargers are more reliable than others.

60°F to 85°F is the sweet spot for EV batteries and getting the best performance on the road. When outside temperatures reach the high 80s to 90s, EV efficiency can drop, with range temporarily decreasing by 8% to 30%. Consistently high temperatures accelerate the battery’s natural degradation, and even parking in direct heat with a full battery should be avoided.

Cold weather can have a temporary 10% to 40% drop in range, as temperatures below 50°F can restrict chemical reactions in the battery. EVs have to divert more energy to warm the battery and the cabin, and cold batteries charge more slowly than average. However, mild or even extreme cold is better for long-term storage with less degradation than heat exposure.

When road-tripping in extreme climates, use the vehicle’s app to pre-condition the cabin while still connected to the charger. This stops the battery from using propulsion energy to control the climate. When possible, park in a shaded area or garage to minimize the burden on the battery’s thermal management system.

If your tire blows out or your vehicle breaks down, the top priority should be getting off the road. Gently ease off the accelerator, brake, and steer onto the shoulder, switching your hazards on to alert nearby traffic. If you need to jack up the car for a tire change, make sure you aren’t on a narrow shoulder or near a blind curve, as in that case it’s safer to wait for help. Always call a professional in the event of a mechanical breakdown or if you cannot safely switch out the flat tire. Rental cars will have a dedicated 24/7 roadside assistance line, while you can call AAA or the tow company listed in your insurance policy for your own vehicle.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. This includes medical emergencies, life-threatening injuries, and vehicle fires. If you were hit by another driver and they are arguing with you or attempting to flee, you should also call emergency services. The same goes for suspicious activity: call the authorities if you feel unsafe, threatened, or stranded in a dark/isolated area.

Local police may have a non-emergency number you can try instead of calling 911 for small fender benders or simple breakdowns. You can also check with your phone network for local Text-to-Emergency-Services for a safe alternative in case you can’t speak out loud.

Two of the most concerning driving hazards are flooded roads and fallen power lines. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), just six inches of moving water can sweep someone off their feet, and it only takes a foot of water to float a standard car. If you encounter floodwaters, turn around, as there’s a good chance the water is swifter and deeper than you think. If your car stalls in rising water, exit immediately and move to higher ground. Restarting an engine that has ingested water can cause substantial internal damage or complete failure.

Always treat fallen power lines as live and deadly. Remain at least 35 feet or three vehicle lengths away, and do not try to drive over them. If a power line falls on your car, stay inside as the tires insulate you. Honk the horn to alert bystanders and call 911 immediately. The only time you should exit the car is if it’s on fire or you are in urgent danger of fumes. You must jump clear of the car with both feet together, and you should not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time. Use a shuffle-step to keep your feet touching until you are a safe distance away.

1. What should you always do before driving on a long trip?
   Check tires, fluids, brakes, and lights; run a VIN recall lookup; and tell someone your route and ETA.
2. Is it safe to drive 12 hours in one day?
   No, most safety agencies, including the NHTSA, recommend capping a single driver at 8 to 10 hours with a 15-minute break every 2 hours.
3. What are the must-haves for a road trip emergency kit?
   Water, first-aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, phone charger, blanket, basic tools, and weather-specific items like flares or cat litter.
4. Do you need to check tire pressure before every road trip?
   Yes, check pressure cold (before driving) and inspect tread depth and sidewall condition on any trip over 100 miles.
5. Are road trips safer than flying?
   Statistically, no. Car travel has a higher fatality rate than commercial aviation, which is why pre-trip preparation is crucial.

Get ready for your adventure by downloading our free road trip car checklist and vehicle safety tips today.