Southerners like road trips. I mean we will pack up the kids and half the neighborhood at the first sign of summer. We even load up our dogs for a week at the beach.

So here are a few tips I have learned from a few friends and a few of my legal cases.

Stay Off the Phone

Here is how I would explain it to a jury – talking on the phone and driving is like talking on the phone and watching TV. You are going to miss something. I could even get expert testimony explaining that the part of the brain that evaluates moving images is reduced by a third when you are listening to someone talk.

Sit Correctly When Driving

This is from a NASCAR driver. Hey, I could know a NASCAR driver. Your legs should be bent so that you can push that brake hard if you need to. Also, your arms should be bent so you can turn the steering wheel sharply if trouble comes your way. He, my NASCAR friend whom I may or may not have, says most of us sit too far away from the dash. Remember, you are not Fonzie, and this is not the 50’s.

Get Out of the Car Every 2 Hours

Driving is tough, and fatigue leads to accidents. My solution: drink plenty of water. It is good for you, and it will make you stop every few hours. Plus, you will get running exercise; since I have yet to find a rest area in the south that didn’t have the bathroom about a mile away from where you park your car.

Be safe this summer. If you or a loved one is injured, you can talk to us at the  Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie  for free. We help all kinds of people and if we can’t help, we will tell you who can.

Also join us on  NBC 15 LawCall  here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30 right after the news. We will take your calls live.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer

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