Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke, at 97 years old, has shared his account of a recent car accident that occurred in Malibu, California. The accident, which took place on March 15, involved Van Dyke losing control of his vehicle in rainy conditions and crashing into a gate in an exclusive neighborhood.
Accident Details and Immediate Aftermath
Upon the arrival of police at the scene, Van Dyke reported that he skidded on the wet road and was unable to prevent the crash involving his 2018 Lexus LS 500. He described the incident as a “face-plant into his steering wheel,” resulting in 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 his remarks, Van Dyke humorously noted the lack of airbag deployment as a factor in his injuries, saying, “The airbag did not deploy, so I just did a face plant right into the steering wheel.” He also quipped about his age, saying, “I’m 97… All my friends are dead,” and 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
In response to the accident, Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene Silver, has reportedly taken his car keys away due to concerns about his safety. Sources suggest that this precaution was taken to ensure the safety of both Van Dyke and others on the road. An insider 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 reflects a growing concern over the risks associated with Van Dyke’s continued driving.
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 of his life, Van Dyke’s public appearances remain memorable, including his recent performance on “The Masked Singer” where he received a heartfelt reaction from judge Nicole Scherzinger.
As he recovers from his latest accident, the public continues to admire Van Dyke’s resilience and enduring charm. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him continue to share his vibrant spirit with his fans.
