why do commercials have to say closed course do not attempt

by Prof. Chelsie Zboncak MD 5 min read

There are often warning footnotes, such as “Do not attempt. Professional driver on closed course.” Then the commercial shows something that everyday drivers shouldn't do, usually reflecting unsafe driving and poor environmental stewardship.Nov 11, 2019

What's with the Denny's commercial with the cow and slingshot?

One line of commercials for Denny's restaurants had people performing stupid stunts, like trying to throw a cow or a human slingshot. At the bottom it reads, in the usual tiny white text, "Do not attempt, professional idiots".

Does the FTC regulate commercial advertising?

If the commercial doesn't concern a consumer's health or safety, it's not likely to get the attention of the FTC. There's another large area of commercial advertising that's regulated, and very strictly, by a different body.

What happens if a child performs a stunt in a commercial?

If a child recreates a stunt he or she sees in a commercial and is injured, the network that ran the ad would take the heat. Other times, the advertising client's legal department will demand a disclaimer to avoid potential lawsuits. This decision is usually made by the client before the commercial is even in the can.