Sam Schmidt is a former IndyCar racer and co-owner of the IndyCar team called Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Now he is paralyzed, but thanks to the latest developments he can drive a car again. A few months ago, a wheelchair-bound driver named Sam Schmidt took part in an Indy 500 event, driving a race track on a semi-autonomous SAM car. The car was created specifically for Sam in the company of Arrow Electronics, so the car received the name of the driver. Now, representatives of the company have obtained permission from the Nevada state administration to issue a driver's license to the paralyzed Sam Schmidt. The document confirms that Sam can drive a semi-autonomous car not only on special race tracks, but also drive on some municipal roads, adhering to the conditions previously agreed for him.
In Arrow Electronics, a car for Sam was made back in 2014, and a year later they began to develop rules of the road for the paralyzed driver. Sam's car is not fully autonomous, in order to control his modified Corvette Z06, Mr. Schmidt uses his voice, turns his head and breathing - so he can steer, add gas and slow down. However, in accordance with the laws of the state of Nevada, the Schmidt car is considered autonomous, since the driver does not have full control over the car, so in order for him to drive on ordinary roads, small changes in legislation were required. Sam Schmidt has already celebrated the receipt of a new driver's license, making a few laps on the race track and taking a ride on the usual municipal highway.
“Arrow electronics has created a semi-autonomous car, allowing those who have physical disabilities to drive cars using modern technology. We are proud to have been able, together with Arrow, to give Sam the opportunity to drive his car legally and safely. Thanks to the tests, Arrow will certainly be able to improve their designs, once making them a massive product that can provide disabled people with increased mobility, ”shared his thoughts from Jad Harin of the Nevada State Department.
For many people with disabilities, semi-autonomous cars and vehicles with autopilot may simply be necessary. Sam, who received, albeit limited by certain conditions, but his own driver's license, is the best proof of that.
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