Last Updated: July 9, 2026

For summer road trips, maintain your vehicle (tires, brakes, fluids), get adequate sleep to avoid drowsy driving, take breaks every 2 hours, avoid speeding and aggressive driving, and never drive under the influence. Safe driving habits prevent accidents and injuries.

Thinking about going on a road trip? In 2022, 80% of Americans said that they would take a vacation, with nearly 20% of those surveyed saying that they would travel 500 miles from home or more, according to a study done by The Vacationer. If you are one of the 20 percent, it is imperative that you are prepared for the destination, as well as the journey. Read on for some of our top tips to stay safe during your epic road trip.

How Do You Get Your Vehicle “Road Ready”?

Check your tires, brakes, and fluids before you leave. One of the major causes of accidents is vehicle malfunctions, and road trips put a lot of stress on cars: you are going a longer distance than usual, and you are typically driving far more miles in a day than your normal central Illinois commute. At the very least, check tire condition, rotate, and replace if necessary. If you have been putting off maintenance, now is the time to get it. If you cause an accident and it is determined that you knowingly did not maintain the car, you could be on the hook for some serious fees. If you are traveling in an electric vehicle, make sure you have planned where you will charge up at.

What Should You Check About Your Insurance Before a Road Trip?

Verify that your insurance is still valid and that you understand your coverage before you get in the car. Many times, policies auto-renew, but you do not want to get caught without insurance on the trip. Car insurance is required in 48 out of the 50 states. Make sure that you have proof of insurance, too. Many states require you to have a physical card on you. Place it in a plastic case (or even a Ziploc bag) and put it in the glove compartment. While some states allow digital proof, that may not be feasible if your phone is dead or you can’t get service. Finally, ask questions about your coverage. Verify, for instance, that you are covered if a friend takes over for a stretch of driving. Sometimes, roadside coverage through car insurance only applies within a certain distance from home, so that is worth investigating, too.

Do Seatbelts Affect My Injury Claim?

Yes, not wearing a seatbelt could cause you to recover less–or not at all–in the event of an accident. While not all states require you to wear your seatbelt, it is best that you wear it–and require your passengers to wear it–to prevent serious injury and death. If an accident would have caused less or no damage if a seatbelt was worn, the insurance company can dispute the claim. The so-called “seatbelt defense” can differ from state to state, but your body and wallet will thank you if you just buckle up.

Review Car Seat Rules

If you are traveling with children, make sure to review what the rules for child passengers are and enforce them. Despite being on a long drive, children need to be buckled in and placed in car seats if appropriate. Different states may have different rules about where a child must ride in the vehicle and whether they need to be in a seat–some go based on age while some go based on weight. Do some research, starting with Illinois if your trip begins here, and ensure that you comply with the rules of the strictest state you are going through. Not complying, in the event you are pulled over, can lead to some major fines and potential charges. If you are in an accident, especially if the child dies, you will be in serious legal trouble.

Why Should You Never Drive Under the Influence?

In all 50 states, it is illegal to drive under the influence. This includes drugs and alcohol. Remember this even if you sample wine at a roadside orchard during the day–it can affect your blood alcohol content. The consequences for driving under the influence–even if you are just slightly over–can be severe. States have different limits for the legal blood alcohol count. Follow the one drink-per-hour rule to avoid driving under the influence. Even if you follow this rule, you could be more affected if you are dehydrated, as many people are on road trips. Better yet–have a designated driver for the trip or switch off being the designated driver.

Why Should You Stay Off Your Phone While Driving?

It is incredibly tempting to pick up the phone and check social media, especially on a long stretch through a state. But distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes. If going 55 miles per hour, even if you send a quick text, you will have essentially traveled the length of a football field blindfolded. If you need a break, or need to respond, pull off the side of the road. It is best to place a phone in “do not disturb” mode.

How Often Should You Take Breaks on a Road Trip?

Plan to stop at least every two hours. Highway hypnosis is a very real phenomenon where drivers enter into a drowsy, trancelike state when they have been on the highway for too long. Unfortunately, this causes drivers to lose sight of how fast they are going. Speed is one of the major causes of accidents–particularly fatal accidents. Do not try and set a record to get somewhere. Schedule breaks and switch drivers if you are able to do so.

What Goes in a Car Emergency Kit?

Make sure you have an emergency kit for passengers and for the vehicle. For passengers, make sure to have basic first aid, bottled water, and a flashlight. If you are traveling in winter, as anyone who has driven through an Illinois January knows, you may also want to pack blankets or heat packs. The car kit should have a gas can, jumper cables, a tire jack, a basic tool set, bungee cords, and duct tape.

How Do You Park Safely on a Road Trip?

If you are visiting from out of town, it may be difficult to know which places are safe and which places to avoid, that is as true in Peoria as anywhere else. For starters, you want to park in an area that is lit well. Parking your vehicle near a light pole or by an entrance is the best bet. Also, dissuade people from breaking into vehicles by taking valuables with you or at least stowing them out of sight. A vehicle with a purse on the front seat may be too good of a temptation for a criminal, no matter where you are in the country.

Work with a Skilled Car Accident Attorney Today

Parker & Parker represents crash victims in Peoria and throughout central Illinois. While you cannot avoid or anticipate every problem that could happen on a road trip, preparation goes a long way, and if you are injured in a motor vehicle crash, get the help you need: contact us right away for assistance.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our Peoria personal injury team can help document the claim, evaluate available coverage, and prepare the case for settlement or litigation.

Need a lawyer? This article is part of our Peoria Car Accident Lawyer practice area. Call Parker & Parker at 309-673-0069 for a free consultation.

Taking a Road Trip this Summer? Check Out These Tips for Staying Safe