Ben Roethlisberger’s motorcycle accident has nothing to do with the fact he’s an NFL player and everything to do with the fact he’s still in his 20s.

“It can’t happen to me.”

That’s what they all think – that’s what we thought at their age – until the fragility and unpredictability of life reminds us that it can and does happen to you, me and Super Bowl quarterbacks.

Roethlisberger, 24, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, is in the hospital today with a broken jaw, a broken nose, multiple lacerations, other assorted injuries and, presumably, a new perspective on life. He chose to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, figuring he’d be safe because, well, he knows what he’s doing.

As evidenced by past remarks, Roethlisberger believed he wasn’t at severe risk because of his interest in motorcycle riding. He believed he was in control. But he forgot, as we all do from time to time, that there are other drivers on the road, and they’re not always paying the closest attention. And, sometimes, stuff happens.

It could be worse. Much worse. Tragically worse.

When Roethlisberger was hit by an oncoming car Monday, he flew off his motorcycle into the car’s windshield. Head first.

“It can’t happen to me.”

The Associated Press compiled a list of recent pro and college athletes who have been injured in motorcycle accidents. None saw it coming. Since 2003, when Chicago Bulls guard Jay Williams crashed into a light pole, the list includes race car driver Dario Franchitti, Jets cornerback Jamie Henderson, Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. and Houston kick returner Jerome Mathis. And, now, Roethlisberger.

They’re hardly alone. There’s not room for a list of everyday people involved in motorcycle accidents. As states allow riders over 21 to choose whether to wear a helmet, fewer of those closer to 21 choose to do so. Why should they? They’re going to live forever, right? The further away from 21 we get, the more we see the foolishness of such thinking.

As reaction to Roethlisberger’s accident unfolded on Monday and Tuesday, debate surfaced.

NFL contract say players shouldn’t take part in risky endeavors, but many leave the definition somewhat open-ended.

We can argue whether Roethlisberger’s contract should have specifically forbidden him from riding, or at least riding without a helmet. Since he is a multi-million dollar value to the Steelers, I’d say the team has that right as an employer protecting a valuable asset.

We can argue whether a professional team should govern what a player does during his free time. I’d say if the player agrees to accept the riches in return, that’s reasonable, too.

We can argue that risk is simply a part of life, whether you’re riding motorcycles, shooting off illegal fireworks in the backyard or coaching peewee soccer (you could slip on a discarded juice box). There are varying degrees of risk in everything, with the key phrase being “varying degrees.”

“It can’t happen to me.”

Try telling 20-somethings to be careful. Watch them nod and roll their eyes. They’re bullet-proof and figure those of us a few years past 20 just want to spoil all the fun.

Besides, if a law says helmets are optional, then you can’t even criticize Roethlisberger for failing to heed the helmet law.

By the way, could someone explain to me why the law requires a seat belt if you’re driving an SUV the size of a starter house, except with more amenities, but motorcycle helmets are optional?