May 29, 2025 | Washington, DC
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy officially kicked off the summer travel season today with the Great American Road Trip Expo at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s headquarters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers summer driving tips to prepare for a memorable road trip and to help families enjoy a safe vacation.
Keep you and your loved ones safe on the road and in the heat by:
Most importantly, driving smart to stay safe this summer. Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible, avoid distractions and speeding, never drink and drive, and always wear your seat belt.
Plan ahead.
- Before heading out, pack a roadside emergency kit that includes a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, nonperishable food, water and other important items in case your vehicle breaks down. In addition, make sure you know how your vehicle’s driver-assistance technologies work by reviewing the owner’s manual.
Service your vehicle.
- Make sure you’re regularly upkeeping your vehicle by checking tire pressure and condition, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, batteries, coolant and floor mats.
Inspect belts and hoses.
- Hot temperatures can accelerate the degradation of rubber belts and hoses. Look under the hood to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in those parts, and replace them if there are signs of wear.
Check the battery and charging system.
- Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the engine. Visit NHTSA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle guide for more information on high-voltage batteries.
Secure your load.
- If something won’t fit in your trunk, make sure you know how to properly secure your load on your vehicle or trailer. Unsecured loads not only endanger you, but also other road users and pedestrians.
Check for recalls.
- Use NHTSA’s free lookup tool using your license plate number or your VIN to check for safety recalls at NHTSA.gov/Recalls. You can also download the SaferCar app to get notified about recalls that affect your vehicle, tires, car seat or other equipment.
Check air conditioning performance.
- Your vehicle’s A/C works harder to keep your vehicle cool during the summer, and a lack of A/C on a hot day could be dangerous for vehicle occupants, particularly children and the elderly.
Avoid heatstroke.
- Never leave children alone in the car. Even on a 60-degree day with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach deadly levels. Visit NHTSA.gov/Heatstroke for more tips on how to prevent heatstroke.
For more, visit NHTSA’s Summer Driving & Road Trip Tips page.