Michigan Auto Law issues 13-point road trip safety checklist

Michigan Auto Law has released a summer travel checklist focused on vehicle readiness, heat safety, fatigue prevention and emergency prep. The guide aims to help drivers reduce breakdowns and avoid preventable crashes as road-trip traffic stays heavy.

Why it matters: - Summer road trips can expose drivers and passengers to breakdowns, extreme heat, fatigue and roadside emergencies. - Michigan Auto Law says a few simple precautions before departure can help reduce preventable crashes and make travel safer. - The guide is aimed at motorists traveling in Michigan or across the country during a busy summer travel season.

What happened: - Michigan Auto Law released a 13-point Road Trip Safety Guide for summer travelers. - The guide draws on recommendations from AAA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FEMA. - The checklist covers vehicle maintenance, tire safety, extreme heat, driver fatigue, towing, emergency preparedness and travel with children and pets. - The firm also posted the Complete 2026 Pre-Trip Checklist on MichiganAutoLaw.com.

The details: - The checklist tells drivers to review the CDC Heat & Health Tracker before traveling. - The guide advises checking tire pressure when tires are cold. - The guide says tire tread should be at least 4/32 inch. - Drivers should test air conditioning before leaving. - Travelers should plan to drive during cooler morning or evening hours. - Drivers should stop for a break about every two hours. - The checklist recommends sharing driving duties when possible. - Drivers towing should slow to 55–65 mph. - Travelers should keep drinking water readily available. - Drivers should use sunshades and sunglasses to reduce glare. - Children and pets should never be left in parked vehicles. - Every vehicle should carry an emergency kit. - A passenger should handle navigation when possible. - Before departure, the guide says drivers should inspect brakes, battery, belts, hoses, lights, windshield wipers and fluid levels. - The guide says drivers should use the tire pressure listed in the owner’s manual or driver-side door placard, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire. - The guide says air conditioning is especially important when traveling with children, older adults, pets or others who are more vulnerable to extreme heat. - The recommended emergency kit includes drinking water, a first-aid kit, flashlight, portable phone charger, jumper cables, basic tools and nonperishable food. - Travelers are encouraged to monitor weather and road conditions, identify fuel or EV charging stops in advance and share their itinerary with someone at home.

Between the lines: - The checklist reflects a broader push to treat road-trip planning as a safety issue, not just a convenience issue. - Fatigue remains a major risk on long drives, and the guide uses the NHTSA figure that drowsy driving contributes to more than 90,000 crashes a year. - The mix of heat precautions, rest breaks and route planning suggests the firm is focusing on the most common summer travel risks rather than rare emergencies.

What's next: - Michigan Auto Law is urging motorists to review the checklist before hitting the road. - The firm says doing so can help drivers avoid common hazards and arrive safely at their destination. - Summer highway traffic is expected to remain heavy throughout the season, keeping pre-trip preparation relevant for weeks to come.

The bottom line: - The message is simple: prepare the car, plan the drive and pack for emergencies before summer travel begins.