Car Commercials: The Rationale Behind Displaying Extreme Driving and Warning Disclaimers

When scrolling through television channels or browsing the internet, it's not uncommon to come across car commercials that showcase vehicles on what appear to be standard roads. However, a common practice in these commercials includes a disclaimer at the bottom that reads something like "Do not attempt" or "This is not a standard road or a normal driving condition."

The Importance of Warning Disclaimers

The reason behind these disclaimers is to protect car manufacturers from potential lawsuits. While the company may not be at fault, accidents can still occur, especially if viewers attempt to recreate the extreme driving scenes shown in the commercials. These disclaimers serve as a legal safeguard to clarify that the driving scenarios depicted are not safe for the average driver to replicate.

Behind the Scenes: Professional Driving and Safety Measures

For the vast majority of car commercials, the following measures are taken to ensure both the safety of the actors and the integrity of the scenes:

The road is a closed road for the duration of the shoot. Professional drivers are used to perform the stunts and drive the vehicles. Scenes are carefully planned and executed to ensure that they do not depict everyday driving conditions.

Despite these precautions, the inclusion of disclaimers is a necessary legal safeguard. A first-year law student could easily make a case in court if someone were to attempt to recreate the stunts and an accident occurred, even if the manufacturer was not at fault.

Legal Precedence and Cautionary Tales

To illustrate the importance of these disclaimers, let's consider a well-known legal case. The Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants judgment, which became widely publicized, serves as a cautionary tale. In this case, a young woman spilled her coffee on herself and sued McDonald's for the damages incurred. While the initial amount claimed was substantial, the case ultimately resulted in a settlement far less than what the plaintiff initially demanded, highlighting the importance of clear warnings about everyday risks.

While similar disclaimers might be unnecessary for other products like a cup of hot coffee, it's clear that the legal implications surrounding extreme driving scenarios in car commercials are significant. These disclaimers help prevent misunderstandings and potential legal battles, ensuring that car manufacturers can continue to showcase their vehicles' capabilities without putting innocent people at risk.