Too Old to Drive? Dick Van Dyke, 97, survived fiery accident a decade before Malibu crash
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: Dick Van Dyke suffered minor injuries after his vehicle lost control in rain and crashed into a gate in Malibu on March 15. The 97-year-old actor was reportedly found in the driving seat of a 2018 Lexus LS 500 with a bleeding nose and mouth. Officials confirmed that no alcohol or drugs were found in Van Dyke's system but asked the Department of Motor Vehicles to take his driving retest.
However, this is not the first time that the ‘Mary Poppins’ star has been involved in a harrowing accident. In August 2013, Van Dyke narrowly escaped death after his Jaguar burst into flames while he was driving on the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. The actor was only rescued after bystanders pulled him out of his smoke-filled vehicle, which was pulled up to the side of the road, according to Radar Online.
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How Van Dyke survived the harrowing accident
Fortunately, Van Dyke only suffered minor scratches in the accident and was treated at the scene but his sports car was left as a charred wreckage. Shortly after refusing to go to hospital, his wife, Arlene Silver, came to pick him up and brought him home. Later, the ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ actor even cracked jokes about the accident as he shared an image of his burnt-out vehicle with the caption, "Used Jag for sale REAL CHEAP!!" While Van Dyke has aged since the fiery accident, he hasn't slowed down.
Used Jag for sale REAL CHEAP!! pic.twitter.com/SpQMsg3s2O
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) August 20, 2013
'They letting 97-year-olds drive?'
The latest traumatic crash has raised many questions regarding Van Dyke’s health and whether he should be allowed to drive at the age of 97. “They letting 97-year-olds drive? Should there be an age limit on driving?” one user wrote on Twitter. “There should be ages where you have to retake your drivers test, like when you hit 70, take one every 2-3 years to prove you’re not a liability.” A second user wrote while the third said, “Not being funny, but a driver's license should not be given to anyone over 85. Too risky.”
They letting 97 year olds drive?
— Jay D. Cartere (@JayCartere) March 22, 2023
Should there be an age limit on driving?
there should be ages where you have to retake your drivers test, like when you hit 70, take one every 2-3 years to prove you’re not a liability
— 𝔼𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 ♠️ (@ethanisdumbb__) March 22, 2023
Not being funny, but a driver's license should not be given to anyone over 85. Too risky.
— Dee (@deecal102163) March 22, 2023
The horrific accident came just a few days after Van Dyke made his last public appearance on 'The Masked Singer', where he was revealed to be Gnome. Van Dyke entered the show as a contestant, making history by being the oldest performer on the show. Following his astonishingly invigorating performance, Dick revealed the secret of his youthful vitality. "Genes, I guess, for one thing," he said, adding, "Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me - that works! My positive attitude, I get that from my wife”