Dax Shepard Recalls Near-Fatal Car Crash That Left Him Feeling 'At Peace'

The actor narrowly escaped death when his friend's car rolled 10 times down the interstate.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dax Shepard opened up about a terrifying car accident he experienced in high school, where the vehicle he was riding in lost control at 85 mph and rolled multiple times down the interstate. Shepard said he felt a surprising sense of calm and acceptance in the moment, even though he was convinced they would hit a tree and he would die. The actor survived the crash unharmed, but the experience left him with lasting PTSD that prevents him from falling asleep in cars ever since.

Why it matters

Shepard's candid account of his near-death experience provides a rare glimpse into the psychological and emotional responses people can have in the face of imminent danger. His description of feeling a sense of peace and acceptance in the moment, rather than pure terror, challenges common assumptions about how people react to life-threatening situations.

The details

Shepard was riding in the backseat of a Ford Probe that his friend was driving at 85 mph on the interstate near Detroit. When the driver lost control, the car went into a sideways skid and then started rolling down the highway. Shepard said he was convinced they would hit a tree, but in that moment, he felt surprisingly calm and accepted that he was about to die. The car ended up rolling 10 times without hitting any trees, and both Shepard and the driver emerged unharmed.

  • The accident occurred when Shepard was in 12th grade.

The players

Dax Shepard

A 51-year-old actor known for his roles in shows like Parenthood and The Ranch.

Shepard's friend

The driver of the Ford Probe that crashed, who Shepard said was okay after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what the definition is, but I have had the moment, which is one of the most unique feelings I've ever had in my life, where I went, 'Oh, I'm about to die.'”

— Dax Shepard (Armchair Expert* podcast)

“Whatever thing they give you, the DMT or whatever the weird chemical is, did definitely start getting released, I think, where I was kind of weirdly at total peace with it.”

— Dax Shepard (Armchair Expert* podcast)

The takeaway

Shepard's harrowing account of his near-death experience highlights the complex and sometimes surprising psychological responses people can have in the face of imminent danger. His description of feeling a sense of calm and acceptance, rather than pure terror, challenges common assumptions and provides a rare glimpse into the human psyche under extreme stress.