Do you have any travel plans on the horizon? If you answered “yes,” you are not the only one! Hundreds of millions of Americans travel during the summertime, which means more people are in cars, walking, and biking around. To make the most out of your summer plans with your friends and loved ones, we have compiled a list of safety checks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA. Check them out below:

According to the NHTSA, some of the most effective ways to travel safely are by planning in advance, considering summer changes, performing vehicle checks, and more. So, before you hit the road for good vibes and fun times, be sure to:

• Stock your vehicle. It is best to put together an emergency roadside kit. Items like your cell phone and charger, first aid kit, a flashlight, flares and a white flag, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a jack for changing a tire, medications, water, and non-perishable food items, extra windshield wiper fluid, and a map are all important to have with you.
• Plan your route. Before taking off, check the weather, traffic, and road conditions. Do not rush – leave yourself extra time to get to your destination safely. Also, try to familiarize yourself with the route you are taking ahead of time.
• Check your AC performance before your trip. Extreme hot temperatures affect everyone, but they can be especially dangerous for children and older adults.
• Remember heatstroke! Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for a moment. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times as quickly as an adult’s — even in sixty-degree weather, the temperature inside a vehicle can become fatal quickly.
• Check for recalls on your vehicle. To see if your make and model is under an active recall, visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Check your tires. Make sure that each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure; be sure to check your spare, too. To get the most accurate tire pressure reading, check pressure when the tires are cold (meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours). Check the tread and replace tires that have insufficient or uneven tread.
• Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that the coolant meets your manufacturer’s specifications.
• Check fluid levels, like your oil, brake fluid, automatic transmission or clutch fluid, power steering fluid (if hydraulic), and windshield washer fluid.
• Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system, and make any necessary repairs and replacements.
• Take a quick look at headlights, brake lights, emergency flashers, turn signals, and interior lights.
• Wiper blades and floor mats. See if your windshield wiper blades need to be replaced. If yours are not in top shape, get new ones before you travel. Improperly installed floor mats can interfere with accelerating or decelerating, which increases the chances of getting into a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use retention clips to secure mats in place.
• WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT! Buckle up. Every trip. Every time. Make sure that everyone else in your vehicle is appropriately buckled up, too, which means ensuring that everyone is secured in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and/or seat belts.
• Before backing up or parking, the NHTSA recommends walking around your vehicle to check for children running or playing. Do not rely merely on backup cameras, which can miss children, pets, and objects that are in your path.

It may look like an extensive list, but taking time to prepare, plan, and protect your friends and family is the best way to travel safely this summer (and all year round). Don’t forget to avoid risky driving behaviors, like distractions, speeding, driving under the influence, or driving aggressively, and be sure to stay alert. Do not drive if you are feeling fatigued or drowsy.

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