In America, celebrities are generally well-rewarded for their “talents,” like the ability to throw an orange ball into a hoop, learn three guitar chords, or cry hysterically on cue. You’d expect that these hot-shots would have enough skill capacity left over for some of the tasks more common to laymen. Driving, for instance.
Exhibit A: David Beckham
The world-famous soccer player ran into trouble (literally) on a Los Angeles freeway last month. According to witnesses, "Becks" (who had his 12-year old son with him) was speeding and driving recklessly in his Cadillac Escalade when he rear-ended a car in front of him.
Doesn't it amaze you that a man who makes millions of dollars a year thanks to his ability to maneuver a soccer ball with his feet apparently does not have the agility to use one of those feet to press on a brake pedal?
Sadly, Beckham is far from the only example of public figures who either lack the aptitude necessary to operate a motor vehicle or feel that the driving laws do not apply to them. Here are some other celebrities who have been at fault in auto accidents.
Shia Lebouf, actor
The Transformers star can instantly switch from action hero to ladies' man on the silver screen. But in July of 2008, he was unable to keep his pickup truck upright after turning in front of another vehicle at an L.A. intersection.
George Michael, singer
The longtime pop star can melt hearts with his sultry voice, but he simply cannot control his Range Rover. He rear-ended a car at over 100 mph in southeast England in August of 2009 -- and then smacked a photo shop in London only 11 months later.
Lindsay Lohan, actress
She's so talented that she can morph into twins onscreen, but in March of 2009, she still managed to slam into a Hollywood Hills gatepost in her Mercedes Benz while allegedly trying to flee from the paparazzi.
Billy Joel, singer/pianist
He must possess superhuman dexterity to create the melodies which emanate from his piano. His hands have certainly mastered the ivories, but they seemed to have trouble steering a Volkswagen Beetle, which crashed into a tree in the Hamptons back in January of 2003.
Tiger Woods, golfer
Then there's Tiger. When it comes to hitting a little white ball into a 4.25-inch hole, he can beat anyone in the world. But somehow, he failed to successfully guide his sport utility vehicle out of the driveway of his Florida home in November of 2009 without smashing into a telephone pole.
So the next time you hit the road, be sure to watch out for those celebrity drivers. If you do happen to get into an accident with one, there is a bright side: they'll probably have really good auto insurance.
Image credits: examiner.com, people.com, realbollywood.com, primecelebrities.com, en.wikipedia.org, sportsofboston.com.
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