Jim Alison, a 95-year-old veteran who relinquished his driving license five years ago, has once again taken the wheel. The experience was made possible through the support of a charity that offers specially adapted vehicles and trained instructors.
Alison, who is blind, drove a modified Mazda MX5 equipped with dual controls. These cars are named in honor of some of the guide dogs Alison has had over the years. The charity's instructors provide guidance through simple physical cues, such as a tap on the leg to accelerate and two taps to brake.
"It was a bit frightening because I can't see in front of me. But the instructors, they were marvellous," Alison stated, describing the sensation of "feeling the wind in the face" as exhilarating. He emphasized the return of a freedom and confidence he found difficult to articulate, adding, "There's no such thing as can't. If you put your mind to it, you can do it."
Many participants in the program are described by instructors as "repeat offenders," indicating a strong desire among individuals to regain a sense of independence. Among them is Dean Twaite, 68, from Tredegar, who previously drove army vehicles in the 1970s and 1980s. Twaite lost his sight in an industrial accident and has not held a driving license since 2007. He echoed Alison's sentiments, finding the experience "really great."