Former Indy Car League racer Sam Schmidt has made history in the United States after receiving the first restricted, semi-autonomous driver’s license in the country, according to Top Speed.
You may remember Schmidt from his horrendous 2000 crash at Walt Disney World Speedway, an accident which left him paralyzed from the neck down. That hasn’t kept Schmidt from moving forward, though.
He previously piloted his C7 Corvette Z06 around race courses using the vehicle’s advanced semi-autonomous controls. Schmidt accelerates the car by breathing into a tube and brakes by inhaling. Moving his head allows the Corvette to steer, thanks to four infrared cameras on board to track movement.
His license means he is now permitted to use the Corvette on state roads, the first of any kind.
Arrow Electronics, responsible for the technology on board, worked with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to create the opportunity for Schmidt to drive once again. Schmidt’s tireless efforts could pave the way for the paralyzed to get behind the wheel once more.
Comments
So… If he’s paralyzed from the waist down, why can’t he steer/accelerate/brake with his hands? I’m guessing that the article really means neck-down (quadriplegic), not waist down.
The article mentions that “an accident which left him paralyzed from the neck down.” I do not know if the article was subsequently edited following your comment.