Along with being the well-regarded MVP quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees has accepted a new spokesperson job for motorcycle-maker Can-Am Spyder. The popular motorcycle maker touts a unique Y-shaped design that gives motorcycle riders greater stability than traditional bikes. For this reason, the bike maker says, “product appeals to a demographic outside the traditional motorcycle buyer.” The motorcycle manufacturer hopes that hiring Drew Brees as the face of the product will help attract an athletic, sports-fan demographic.
The motorcycle promotion involves Brees reminding viewers in this commercial that his football contract bans him from actually riding the bike. The gimmick goes a step further when Brees states that he will retire from playing football professionally in order to find the loophole in his NFL contract to be able to ride.
So, why would the NFL forbid an athletic player from riding a motorcycle known for its riding stability?
The risk is too great for motorcycle injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2006, “The rate for motorcycles (involved in a fatal crash) is 72.34 per 100,000 registered motorcycles. “ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives the sobering statistic that “motorcycle crashes killed 4,502 people in 2010.”
It becomes clear when looking at statistics like these why the NFL franchise would choose to protect its highest-paid talent and avoid the risk entirely.
The state of Texas does not require helmet use by any person over the age of 21 who also maintains health insurance covering injuries resulting from a motorcycle injury. But riders without headgear should understand their increased risk for personal injury. (To that, many would counter that the risk of injury increases, but the enjoyment and freedom of riding a motorcycle without a helmet is an individual’s choice!)
Motorcycle riders who carry personal injury protection (or, PIP) insurance in Texas can expect the following, according to the state’s Department of Insurance site:
- “Medical payments coverage (i.e., medical and funeral bills resulting from accidents, including an accident involving a pedestrian or bicyclist, plus 80 percent of lost income and the cost of hiring a caregiver for an injured person.
- Who it covers: You, your family members, and passengers in your car, regardless of who caused the accident.
- An insurance company must offer you $2,500 in PIP, but you can buy more. If you don’t want PIP, you must reject it in writing.”
Maybe the average rider’s salary does not compete with that of a national football player with endorsements like the one Drew Brees now enjoys. But the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle is free to the taker! The attorney and staff of Kurt Arbuckle, P.C. wishes safe travels to our neighbors on Houston’s highways.
Photo Credit: Iain Farrell via Compfight cc
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