Blind Michigan judge drives for the first time in his life

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MT. MORRIS, Michigan — A blind Michigan judge went for a drive and a sheriff rode a shotgun.

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As 100 people watched, Michigan Supreme Court Richard Bernstein drove a car down a dirt road Tuesday at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, northwest of Flint.

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« I’ve always wanted that feeling of what it’s like to step on the gas or put the ignition on and run a steering wheel, » Bernstein, 47, told WNEM-TV.

Sheriff Chris Swanson was in the passenger seat, giving instructions and encouragement. They wore helmets.

“Stand up. Soft left, soft left,” Swanson said. » He does it ! »

Bernstein, who is seeking re-election in November, is not letting blindness deter him from certain goals. He has run over 20 marathons.

« All my life I’ve loved making people’s dreams come true, » the sheriff said. « I like to see joy in the face, and I’ve seen it the last two hours driving it here. »