Always wanted to 'hit the gas': Blind Michigan judge drives

MT. MORRIS, Mich. (AP) - A blind Michigan judge went for a drive and a sheriff rode shotgun.

As 100 people watched, Richard Bernstein of the Michigan Supreme Court drove a car on a dirt track Tuesday at the Genesee County fairgrounds, northwest of Flint.

'œI've always wanted that feeling of what it's like to hit the gas or what it's like to turn on the ignition and what it's like to operate a steering wheel," Bernstein, 47, told WNEM-TV.

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

'œStraighten it out. Soft left, soft left," Swanson said. 'œHe's doin' it!'ť

Bernstein, who is seeking reelection in November, doesn't let blindness discourage him from certain goals. He's run more than 20 marathons.

'œMy whole life, I've loved making people's dreams come true,'ť the sheriff said. "I love seeing joy on the face, and I have seen it the last two hours driving him up here.'ť