We have had the sad misfortune of losing some absolutely legendary figures from film, music, and television in the last few years. Most recently Burt Bacharach, and back at the end of 2021, Betty White. BUT we are happy to report despite a recent scare, Dick Van Dyke is still very much with us at 97 years old. Whether his driver’s license will remain with him is still up in the air.
On March 15th, the titan of television was driving his 2018 Lexus LS 500 in Malibu, CA. He reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The car slid, and ended up crashing into a gate. When police responded to the scene, Van Dyke was still in his car and bleeding from his nose and mouth. They also stated he might possibly have had a concussion. The injuries were minor. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the accident.
As is the procedure after an accident, police can request for an individual to retake their driver’s license test. Most states do not require this simply because of age, there has to be some kind of motivating factor to where the DMV would have to request the test be retaken. In New York State, if a police officer, physician, or someone close to the driver has good reason to believe their ability to drive may be impaired, they can report it to the DMV. But one would think if Harrison Ford can still have a pilot’s license, Dick Van Dyke can still be allowed to drive a car, even if the man is 97 years old!
Also, because we don’t get the chance to talk about Dick Van Dyke enough, here’s the chance to toss two things out there for your enjoyment. First, if you haven’t had the opportunity to do so, check out his appearance on “The Masked Singer” and prepared to get all emotional when he emerges from his costume in front of the judges.
We wish Mr. Van Dyke the very best as he bounces back from his vehicular accident. Don’t you dare leave us Dick, the world is a better place because you’re a part of it still!
