No matter how safe a series is, an actor always runs the risk of injuring themselves during filming. This is especially true in an action series like Batman. While it's not necessarily the sort of high action we're used to seeing on television shows today, working on Batman required a great deal of athleticism. In fact, upon being approached for the part of Batman, Adam West argued that an athlete may be better suited for the role.

In addition to time dedicated to various high school sports, Ward also had experience as an ice skater. When he was cast as the Boy Wonder on the 1960s Batman series, Ward was expected to keep that athleticism up, as he had plenty of on-screen stunts.

Despite Ward's expertise, his frequent stunt work increased the likelihood that he could be involved in an accident. It also led to a scary situation when production on Batman had just begun. Had it gone sideways, perhaps Ward could have lost his life.

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"On the first day of shooting, when we were racing the Batmobile out of the bat cave, we were zooming around a corner and the door on my side flew open," said Ward during an interview with the Muncie Evening Press. "I didn't have a seatbelt on and those tights slip on leather."

Luckily, Ward was able to think fast and save his own life. "I just caught my finger on the gear shift in time to keep from being thrown out," said the actor.

Still, the event had a lasting impact on Ward. "Every week I worry about the next show, wondering what they'll do to me," said the actor.