Is it possible for a blind person to drive a car? At first glance the question seems naive, but nevertheless, it is indeed doable. This little miracle can happen thanks to the association “The Blind and Their Funny Machines” (NVDM).
This Drôme structure is organizing, tomorrow and for the third time at the Paul Ricard circuit, a driving course behind the wheel of training vehicles for six people with visual disabilities. “The objective is to provide pleasure to the participants”, explains Luc Costermans, blind volunteer from the NVDM association, organizer of the event and former rally driver.
At the wheel, some will be able to experience the sensations of driving like an able-bodied person. And others – those who drove before losing their sight – will rediscover this pleasure. “I felt happy when I was able to drive again after losing my sight, confided Luc Costermans. Blind people are dependent on their travels, so finding this freedom behind the wheel is exceptional“.
A record at 308 km/h
Not only can a visually impaired person drive, but they can also drive fast. Luc Costermans reached 308km/h – a record for a visually impaired person – in 2021 at the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo. “This record helps show the world of sighted people that we too can do it“, clame Luc Costermans.
The association – which has organized this type of course since 2006 – has a Mégane RS that can reach 150 km/h, made available to the most experienced apprentices to enable them to reach high speeds.
Obviously, there is no question of these visually impaired people getting their driving license. However, the sensation of finding themselves behind the controls of a vehicle allows them to feel a new adrenaline and to be able to say “I know what it feels like to drive“.
