10 Tips to Stay Safe on the Road During Summer Travel Season

The open road may be calling this summer, but the dangers of increased travel should never be ignored. Summer is consistently one of the most dangerous times to drive, with accident rates rising due to higher traffic volumes, road trips, impaired drivers, teen motorists out of school, and unpredictable weather.

As a car wreck law firm in Carmel, IN, we see firsthand how quickly a summer drive can turn tragic. We urge you to read and share these 10 life-saving safety tips. By following these recommendations, you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

1. Understand the “100 Deadliest Days”

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, teen crash fatalities surge. According to AAA, more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during this window each year. School is out, teens are driving more frequently, and their lack of experience becomes a deadly factor.

In Indiana, the combination of rural roads, speed, and distractions contributes to severe crashes. We encourage parents to talk with their teens about curfews, seat belt use, and putting phones away while driving. Set clear boundaries for passengers, nighttime driving, and long-distance trips.

2. Buckle Up—No Exceptions

Indiana has enforced primary seat belt laws since 2007. This means law enforcement officers can stop and ticket drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt. In 2022, over 10,000 unbuckled vehicle occupants died in crashes in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. We cannot overstate this: it is the simplest action you can take to protect your life on the road. Always ensure all passengers are correctly restrained, especially during long trips when fatigue can cause complacency.

3. Use Proper Restraints for Children

Children under 8 must be in a child safety seat or booster appropriate for their age and size, according to Indiana Code § 9-19-11-2. Those between 8 and 15 must wear a seat belt. But compliance is not enough. Parents and caregivers should ensure the seats are properly installed and not expired.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, over 59% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Before your next trip, stop by a certified child passenger safety technician in Carmel or Hamilton County to verify your setup. We recommend checking this every summer as children grow rapidly.

4. Avoid Impaired Driving—Drugs Count Too

While alcohol is a leading cause of summer crash fatalities, drug-impaired driving is increasing. Prescription medications, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter drugs can impair judgment and coordination. Indiana State Police and local agencies conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the summer.

If you are pulled over and found to be under the influence—even if the substance is legal—you could face serious criminal charges and civil liability. As a Carmel auto accident attorney, we’ve represented victims devastated by drivers who thought they were “fine to drive.” Make a plan before you go out. If there’s any doubt, don’t drive.

5. Keep Speeds Safe and Steady

Speeding accounts for one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide. In Indiana, rural roadways pose a unique danger. Drivers tend to exceed posted limits due to low enforcement visibility and open scenery. But studies show rural crashes are more likely to be fatal due to higher impact speeds and delayed EMS response.

Use cruise control when possible and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Always slow down in work zones—especially prevalent in Indiana’s summer months—and remember that fines double in these areas.

6. Prevent Distractions—Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel

Texting while driving is banned for all drivers in Indiana under IC § 9-21-8-59. Yet distraction remains one of the top three causes of crashes. Glancing at a phone only takes five seconds to cause a deadly mistake. That’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field blind at 55 mph.

Use your vehicle’s “Do Not Disturb” mode or apps that block notifications while driving. Mount your phone for GPS use only. If you need to call or text, pull over. As a seasoned accident lawyer in Carmel, we help families every year whose lives are changed by a moment of digital distraction.

7. Watch for Bikes and Pedestrians

Pedestrian and cyclist activity skyrockets in the summer. Children play outside later. Tourists walk unfamiliar paths. Cyclists use shared roads during daylight hours. In 2023, pedestrian fatalities remained stubbornly high, with many occurring at night and in urban/suburban areas. 

Indiana law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing cyclists. Failure to observe these rules could result in injury or wrongful death liability. Always assume someone might step onto the road unexpectedly.

8. Prep Your Vehicle for the Heat

Extreme heat can wreak havoc on your car. Tire blowouts increase in July and August due to underinflated tires expanding on hot asphalt. Batteries fail faster. Engines overheat. Before any trip:

• Check your tire pressure when tires are cold.
• Refill coolant and brake fluid.
• Make sure AC systems are functioning.
• Test your battery for capacity.
• Replace wiper blades to prepare for summer storms.

We’ve represented clients injured in crashes caused by mechanical failures that could have been avoided with a 15-minute checkup. Visit a certified mechanic before you hit the road.

9. Prepare an Emergency Plan

Your glove compartment should have more than insurance documents. We recommend keeping:

• A printed insurance card and emergency contact numbers.
• A flashlight with batteries.
• A basic first aid kit.
• A phone charger or power bank.
• Reflective hazard triangles or flares.
• Water bottles and energy snacks.

These small items could save lives if a crash occurs in a remote area. Take a moment now to ensure you’re ready later. We also suggest keeping the number for your car accident lawyer in Carmel—you never know when you’ll need trusted legal help.

10. Know What to Do After a Crash

Many crash victims unintentionally hurt their case by what they say or do immediately after a wreck. If you’re in an accident:

• Remain calm and assess injuries.
• Call 911 even if damage seems minor.
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, license plates, and surroundings.
• Collect witness names and phone numbers.
• Do not admit fault—even saying “sorry” can be used against you.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay.
• Contact a Carmel auto accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Early legal intervention can protect your rights, prevent lowball offers, and improve your chances of recovering full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Our Firm Helps Indiana Crash Victims

As a car wreck law firm in Carmel, IN, we’ve spent years helping Indiana families recover from summer traffic accidents. Whether your case involves a distracted driver, a negligent trucking company, a defective vehicle, or a multi-vehicle pile-up, we know how to build strong claims that insurance companies can’t ignore.

We collect:

• Dashcam footage and black box data
• Police crash reports and EMS logs
• Phone records to prove distraction
• Toxicology reports in DUI cases
• Medical expert testimony

And most importantly, we take care of the legal process while you focus on healing. If you’re injured, don’t try to go it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

When Should You Call a Carmel Auto Accident Attorney?

You should call us:

• If you or a loved one was injured in a crash.
• If the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim.
• If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
• If fault is being wrongly pinned on you.
• If you have lasting injuries or face missed work.

Insurance companies may seem friendly at first—but their priority is profit. Ours is justice.

Contact Our Carmel Accident Lawyer for More Information

Thousands of Indiana families head out for vacations, barbecues, festivals, and road trips every summer. Most will return home safely. But when things go wrong, the consequences can be devastating.

We urge every driver to take precautions seriously. Review your insurance policy, check your car, plan for the unexpected, and know your rights. And if you are injured, know that an experienced accident lawyer in Carmel is only a phone call away.

Let this be your safest summer yet. From all of us at Vaughn Wamsley, stay alert, drive smart, and protect what matters most.