Road Trip Safety Tips Just in Time for the Fourth of July

At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we know that summer in Texas means road trips, fireworks, and family time. The 4th of July is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and with more cars on the road, safety should be just as important as your playlist and snack stash. Whether you’re headed to Galveston, Austin, or Grandma’s house across state lines, these tips will help make sure you get there and back safely.

Before You Hit the Road: Prep Your Vehicle

A little preparation can prevent a lot of problems. No one wants to spend their holiday weekend stranded in the heat or waiting for a tow truck. Give your car a quick inspection before heading out, especially if you’re traveling long distances or through rural areas.

✅ Road Trip Prep Essentials:

• Check your fluids – Make sure oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are topped off.
  
  
• Inspect your tires – Check tire pressure and tread depth. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tire too!
  
  
• Test the air conditioning – Texas summers are no time to gamble on a weak AC.
  
  
• Check your battery – Hot weather can drain battery life, so look for any signs of corrosion or slow starts.
  
  
• Stock an emergency kit – Include jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a phone charger, and a basic first-aid kit.
  
  

Even newer vehicles can have surprise issues on long drives, so if it’s been a while since your last maintenance check, consider visiting your mechanic for a quick inspection before you leave.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Headaches

The earlier you hit the road, the better. Traveling during off-peak hours – typically early morning or late evening – can help you avoid traffic and reduce stress. Be aware of active construction zones on major Texas highways like I-35 and I-45, which can add delays and increase accident risks. A quick look at the TxDOT website or a navigation app before your trip can save you serious time.

If you’re driving through the Houston area, here are some current construction zones to watch out for:

• I-69 Southwest Freeway near 610 – Major reconstruction is ongoing. Expect closures and detours, especially overnight.
  
  
• I-45 North Freeway between downtown and Beltway 8 – Lane reductions are in place due to pavement and bridge work.
  
  
• 610 West Loop near Post Oak Blvd – Frequent slowdowns and closures due to ramp upgrades and widening projects.
  
  
• Highway 288 south of downtown – Tollway construction continues with lane shifts and intermittent closures.
  
  

Allow for extra time if your route takes you through any of these areas, and stay alert for signage and workers on the road.

Use Navigation Tools to Your Advantage

Speaking of apps, tools like Google Maps and Waze can be lifesavers on the road:

• 📍 Google Maps offers accurate, straightforward navigation with lane assist.
  
  
• 🚧 Waze is powered by user reports, so you’ll get real-time updates on traffic, speed traps, and construction.
  
  

Cruise control can also make long drives more comfortable – just remember to stay alert and avoid using it in heavy rain or traffic.

Stay Safe, Stay Alert

Even with the best planning, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to stay focused and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Keep your eyes on the road, take regular breaks to stretch, and never drive drowsy or impaired.

From all of us at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we wish you a safe and relaxing 4th of July. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident while traveling, we’re here to help 24/7. You can reach our legal team anytime — we’re always ready to fight for the justice you deserve.