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The tech enabling a man with quadriplegia to drive


A specially modified car is allowing an ex-racing driver, who became quadriplegic after a car accident, to drive on public roads in the US.

The 2016 Corvette Z06 was adapted by Arrow Electronics using repurposed off-the-shelf technology to allow Sam Schmidt to control the car.

He is the first American to be given a special licence to drive a semi-autonomous car on public roads.

Mr Schmidt still requires a co-driver with him at all times, but the semi-autonomous vehicle allows him to take an active role in driving.

BBC Click’s Spencer Kelly reports.

You can see more on a special edition of BBC Click focusing on assistive tech to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December 2016 on the BBC News Channel, BBC World News and BBC One.

More at BBC.com/Click and @BBCClick.