BMW Donates Driving Lessons to Disabled Veterans

Wounded veterans of the Iraq war face serious emotional and physical challenges upon returning home. The New York Times recently highlighted the efforts of BMW to make this transition just a little bit easier. The automaker donated instructors, the use of test cars, and time on its Performance Center track to the Injured Marine Semper Fi fund.

On the track in South Carolina, Marines who have lost limbs can learn how to drive using alternate controls in specially outfitted BMW vehicles, like the 2008 650i coupe, for example.

Drivers who have lost both legs can have their vehicles outfitted with a hand control that uses a push-pull system to accelerate and brake: Pull back and the car accelerates forward, push and the car brakes. The handle can be outfitted on either side of the steering wheel and typically costs no more than $1,000, which is less than some of the luxury automaker's high-end features.

Not only do the BMW lessons serve a practical purpose — training wounded veterans in driving skills — but the Marines at the BMW Performance Center reported that it served an important psychological role as well. As Cpl. Jordan Muck, 24, told the Times, “Getting to go on trips like this helped me cope with anxiety and just talk to people. Something just clicked.”

Back From War, Back at the Wheel (The New York Times)

Comments

[MiguelP]

Major kudos to BMW for creating this program.

[DodgeFan]

I think the program already existed and BMW donated to it. I think it was nice but personally it would be better if BMW would actually donate cars to the disabled.

i like the idea of donatin cars but, theres the insurance n car taxes, very hard to do if the marines are on fixed income, especially for BMWs. Even if theres major discounts on the insurance, the taxes will eat the check alive every year.

[Ryan]

BMW is Amazing.Nice to read it.

[New port driving school]

Well post.Thanks to BMW.Nice job is doing by you.Even physically challenged people are also interested in driving.

[southport driving]

Good on you BMW. Obviously a good bit of PR for you but still very commendable.

[newport driving school]

That's awesome. Nice work, BMW. Giving respect where it is due to those who paid an incredibly high price.

[Doug]

Though I would add to this article. The controls were actually Sure Grip Push/Rock controls (Push to brake, Rock back to accelerate) and are positioned on the left hand side of the steering wheel. My url is a link to a video of the drivers going around the course.