50 years ago on April 12

[jdman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSsj7s5yek8

[Moon Dawg]

  The day of Jan's accident was also the day I was born.

[2dean2]

My dad passed at 74 in 92 of Lung Cancer.

[Surf Route 101]

  I remember hearing about it from a kid at school. We had zero idea how bad it was, especially after "Popsicle" showed up on the radio as a "new" hit single.

[Bitman]

Just had a little time on my hands and went to Google Maps and did the street view of 807 N. Whittier where the accident occurred. Using the diagrams in Mark's book and the street view it would appear as if the curb that Jan first hit hasn't been repaired since that day. Of course, it may have been repaired and damaged again, but it is damaged in the photo.

[Mark A. Moore]

Just had a little time on my hands and went to Google Maps and did the street view of 807 N. Whittier where the accident occurred. Using the diagrams in Mark's book and the street view it would appear as if the curb that Jan first hit hasn't been repaired since that day. Of course, it may have been repaired and damaged again, but it is damaged in the photo.

My guess is that the curb has been replaced over the years. But the minivan in the street view is parked just about where the pickup truck was parked in 1966, as described in the book. So the street view offers a good perspective on the scene. Look at 809 N. Whittier—one house to the right as you look at 807—and realize that the tire marks from Jan's car began in front of 809. It gives you a good idea of just how fast Jan was driving when he crashed—way too fast for the residential area.

[Bitman]

It would also explain why there were no skid marks between curb impact and the truck. The gardener noted Jan turned and looked over his shoulder to see what he had hit. He likely would've had far less than two seconds to look forward, see the truck, and take evasive action.

[jdman]

  I remember hearing about it from a kid at school. We had zero idea how bad it was, especially after "Popsicle" showed up on the radio as a "new" hit single.

that's an interesting perspective. I guess it was confusing with Popsicle being a hit right after. People must've thought it was no big deal

[1Jay1]

What happened to the driver of the truck Jan hit. Was their any legal action taken, and did Jan sue for damages to his car and topay hospital bills?