Actor Chazz Palminteri Discusses Walking Away From Head-On Collision

What is your life worth? At minimum, the price of a Mercedes-Benz S550, according to actor Chazz Palminteri.

After crashing head-on into a telephone pole in Bedford on October 19, Palminteri is alive and well (perhaps a little sore) and could not be more grateful for the protection his vehicle provided him.

“Grateful is not the word,” said Palminteri. “The first thing the paramedic said to me was, ‘Let me tell you something, Chazz, this car saved your life.’”   

Palminteri, best known for his roles in Bullets over Broadway and A Bronx Tale, was driving home from a friend’s house on Route 22 around midnight, at approximately 40 miles per hour, when he fell asleep at the wheel.

“I was literally less than an eighth of a mile, two blocks, away from my house,” said Palminteri. “I was a little tired and made the right turn to get off my exit. Next thing I knew—BOOM. I hit it dead center.”

When Palminteri woke up, all of the airbags had been deployed and were already deflated. Bedford Police arrived at the scene, and paramedics tended to Palminteri to make sure there were no injuries. At most, Palminteri stated he was a little sore.

“I feel really good. The soreness is going away little by little, but I’m fine,” said Palminteri.   

If there were one thing Chazz Palminteri would like this incident to demonstrate, it would be that your life just might be worth more than the frugal budget you have for your next car.  

“I’m shocked,” said Palminteri. “I don’t think it would have been like this in another car. People have to know how safe this car is. Also never drive tired. Pull over and rest.”