At 97 years old, Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke recently shared his account of a car accident that occurred in Malibu, California. On March 15, Van Dyke lost control of his vehicle in rainy conditions and crashed into a gate in an exclusive neighborhood.
When police arrived at the scene, Van Dyke explained that he skidded on the wet road and couldn’t prevent the crash involving his 2018 Lexus LS 500. Describing the incident as a “face-plant into his steering wheel,” he sustained a soreness and a severe lip laceration that required two stitches. Despite the pain, Van Dyke maintained a cheerful demeanor during his first public appearance after the accident on March 25.
In a lighthearted manner, Van Dyke mentioned the lack of airbag deployment as a factor in his injuries, jokingly saying, “The airbag did not deploy, so I just did a face-plant right into the steering wheel.” He also humorously commented on his age, stating, “I’m 97… All my friends are dead.” Van Dyke expressed his gratitude towards his wife, Arlene Silver, for her support, acknowledging that he “probably would be dead” without her assistance.
Concerns About Driving Safety
Following the accident, Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene Silver, took his car keys away due to concerns about his safety. This precaution was taken to ensure the well-being of both Van Dyke and others on the road. An inside source commented, “Dick has reached the point where he needs to be taken off the road — for his safety and the safety of others.” Silver’s decision highlights the growing concern over the risks associated with Van Dyke continuing to drive.
Previous Incident and Public Appearances
This recent accident comes nearly a decade after Van Dyke was rescued from a burning car on a Los Angeles freeway in 2013. On that occasion, bystander Jason Pennington helped Van Dyke escape from his flaming Jaguar. Despite the dramatic events in his life, Van Dyke’s public appearances remain memorable. One of his recent notable performances was on “The Masked Singer,” where he received a heartfelt reaction from judge Nicole Scherzinger.
As Van Dyke recovers from his latest accident, the public continues to admire his resilience and enduring charm. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him continue to share his vibrant spirit with his fans.
