Traffic Accidents, New Laws and a New Reality

Allen Ritchie • June 5, 2020

 

I feel traffic accidents are on the increase. At least calls to our office about traffic accidents are up.

Here is what I have learned — people who have not driven in 3 months are a little shaky behind the wheel. Seriously, some people here in Mobile have not driven for months. If you are not careful it is going to be like bumper cars on I-10. Mostly I’m hearing about rear-enders and property damage produced in parking lots. The first is caused because people seem to have forgotten where the brake is, and the latter because they have forgotten how to judge a parking space.

Some other observations:

  • Truck traffic is up as our Knights of the Highway bring us the stuff to restock shelves.
  • Traffic congestion is increasing, and if you got used to having the road to yourself, you may have to relearn how to share.
  • And here is my biggest fear. After a long quarantine, I feel people are going to go out more, party more, and drink more. That probably won’t add to traffic safety.

People keep asking me about wearing a mask. As I said recently on NBC 15 LawCall (click here to watch video) , no law requires you to wear a mask. The founding fathers never even thought there would be such a problem as COVID-19. Here is my prediction. You will see new laws governing masks and social distancing. There will be a lot of debate, but the legislature likes to make laws – it is what it does.

So, take it easy behind the wheel and grab a mask. It is a different world out there.

If you are hurt in a traffic accident or suffer a personal injury , you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet. We are working remotely mostly but are always available.

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. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we have come up with.

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