Summer is here, and Texas families have started hitting the road since school is out. Whether you’re headed to the Gulf Coast, the Hill Country, or trekking across the Lone Star State to other far off places, a road trip should mean memories, not emergencies.
At O’Hare and Koch Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable car accidents can turn a family vacation into a nightmare. That’s why we put together this practical road trip safety checklist to help you travel safer this season. Before you put it into gear, make sure you go down this list.
1. Get Your Vehicle Inspected Before You Leave
Texas law no longer requires an annual vehicle inspection for passenger vehicles, so it falls to you to make sure your car is road-trip ready. While Texas doesn’t require the annual inspection, it does still require cars to be road ready which means it needs to be properly maintained. The most obvious examples are tires and brakes, but it includes much more. Before a long drive, it is recommended that you take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic and ask them to inspect:
- Tire tread and pressure — Underinflated or worn tires are a leading cause of blowouts on Texas highways.
- Brakes — Squealing, grinding, or a soft brake pedal are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Fluid levels — Oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be checked and topped off.
- Lights and signals — A burned-out brake light or turn signal can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Windshield Wipers — Precipitation on your windshield can severely impair your vision, increasing the risk of a collision. Making sure your windshield wipers are in good shape helps reduce the risk.
Don’t skip this step. A pre-trip inspection is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid a roadside breakdown or worse, a serious accident.
2. Plan Your Route and Rest Stops
Texas is big. If you’re planning a trip to South Texas, the drive from DFW to the Gulf Coast is nearly 400 miles — and that’s before you factor in summer construction on I-45, the heavy congestion of I-35 through Central Texas, and a backseat full of restless kids .Driver fatigue is one of the most underestimated dangers on Texas highways, and drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Before you leave:
- Map out your route and identify places to eat or fuel up where you can stop every two hours.
- Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. whenever possible, since fatigue-related crashes are more common during those hours.
- Share your travel route and estimated arrival time with a trusted friend or family member.
If you feel tired, pull over and rest. No destination is worth risking your life or your family’s safety.
3. Texas Car Seat Laws: Secure Everyone in the Vehicle
Texas law requires children under the age of 8 to ride in an appropriate child safety seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. But regardless of size or age, proper restraint protection matters for everyone in the vehicle.
Before every drive:
- Confirm that all car seats are correctly installed and appropriate for your child’s age and weight.
- Make sure every passenger — in both the front and back seats — is wearing a seat belt.
- Avoid overloading the vehicle in a way that blocks the driver’s visibility or causes cargo to shift during travel.
A properly restrained passenger has a far greater chance of surviving a serious collision.
4. Eliminate Distractions Before You Start Driving
Distracted driving accidents remain one of the leading causes of Texas car accidents each year. In 2026, distracted driving continues to put countless families at risk — despite being entirely preventable.
Before you back out of the driveway:
- Turn on the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on your phone.
- Set your GPS destination before the vehicle starts moving.
- Assign a co-pilot when possible. Let another adult handle navigation, music, or anything involving the kids in the back seat.
One glance at your phone while traveling 70 mph means you’ve driven the length of a football field without watching the road. That’s far too long to take your eyes off the road and exactly the kind of split-second lapse that changes lives forever.
5. Know What to Do If an Accident Happens
Even the safest drivers can’t control the actions of others. If you’re involved in a car accident during your trip:
- Move to a safe location and call 911 immediately.
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident.
- Before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer, contact an experienced Carrollton car accident lawyer — it costs nothing to ask, and it could make all the difference.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Having an experienced DFW car accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting your rights and financial recovery.
Helping Texas Families For Over 25 Years Navigate Car Accident Claims
At O’Hare and Koch Law Firm, we believe every Texas family deserves to travel safely and return home without tragedy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area or anywhere across Texas, our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
Safe travels from all of us at O’Hare and Koch Law Firm.
