Self-driving cars are becoming a new normal in transportation. Many have chosen to give up the steering wheel to A.I. driving technology. Just want to relax and enjoy the ride.
Autonomous vehicles follow programmed instructions and do not allow passengers to interfere with their operations. You do nothing, the car drives itself.
The freedom to drive. It’s a privilege to go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Yes, you are in the driver’s seat.
Driving a car provides a driver personal autonomy offering daily independence, mobile flexibility and a strong sense of personal control.
Driving, for many, represents compentcy, self reliance and adulthood.
For many teens obtaining a drivers license is a big deal. It means independence. The freedom to drive yourself without being dependent on someone else to drive you everywhere you need to go.
“Gram, I’m so excited. I completed my driver education program, passed the vision and hearing test and have held my learners permit for the mandatory one year.”
“That’s great, Amberley. Obtaining a drivers license is a privilege and a big responsibility. It means you have learned the skills to drive a car safely and have full knowledge of the rules of the road.”
“Next month, I will be of age to apply for an adult license, however I must pass the knowledge exam and road test. I’m a bit nervous, but I’m confident I will pass both,” said Amberley.
“You know dear, for most teens, getting a drivers license is a milestone, it was for me. It means ‘moving forward’ into a new phase of one’s life. I think you are ready to do so,” said Gram with a smile and nod of approval.
Now for adults who have been driving for many years, sooner or later, will drive less and for some, they will stop driving all together. It will require dependence on someone else to drive them or a different mode of transportation.
Faye, amused and excited after reading a magazine article on autonomous vehicles, she decides to phone her neighbor Irene.
“Irene, this Faye. Have you heard the latest about self-driving cars? Quite interesting and could be a solution to our dependence on a Zoom driver or family having to take us wherever we need to go.
We could drive ourselves, I mean, we don’t need a driver, the car is completely autonomous, it can drive itself and take us to wherever we want to go.”
Irene to Faye, “I miss the freedom to drive myself. I liked being able to go where I wanted to go and to do what I wanted to do.”
“Are you able to join me for lunch?” said Faye. “If we have to depend on another Zoom driver, I’ll pass,” said Irene.
“No, no, Irene. We don’t have to go out for lunch. Since we are next door neighbors, I will make lunch for us. Are you game?
I will assemble some light tuna salad sandwiches and provide some refreshing, chilled strawberry coolers.” “Nice combo. I accept. What time, dear Faye?” “Come over at noon. See you soon, Irene.”
Faye hears a tap on her kitchen door and it’s Irene. “Come on in hon, lunch is ready to be served.” “Thank you for the invite, Faye. I’m ready for a delicious meal and some delightful conversation,” said Irene.
“It’s time to rest and refresh. Have a seat, Irene. Here are the tuna sandwiches, and the chilled coolers, enjoy,” said Faye. “They look appetizing, even better than the ones in Martha’s magazine,” said Irene. Both laughed.
“I don’t mean to steer the conversation, but what’s the update about the self-driving cars? You said it could be our solution to our dependence on others to drive us. Tell me more,” said Irene.
“Well there is so much to know about the self-driving cars. They are described as autonomous vehicles. They drive themselves. No driver needed. Can you believe it?” said excitedly by Faye.
Irene to Faye, “Well, you know, I was at the market last week, waiting for my Zoom driver to pick me up, a driverless car pulled up and out steps Emma. I thought she was housebound and no longer able to get out.”
Faye replied, “Emma found a way to regain her independence. Good for her. Now, a self- driving car. That’s an autonomous vehicle.”
“I like the idea, but I’m not sure. I’d have to experience it to believe it. My dad told me, when I was young, that one day there would be flying cars.
He was very insightful about trends and had a keen interest in developing technologies. I want to know more,” said Irene with a spark of interest.
“My mom would tell my brother, when he would talk about futuristic ideas, ‘Ben get your mind out the clouds. Be in the here and now.’ He complied, but still continued to dream,” said Faye.
“Faye, I haven’t seen elephants fly, but maybe they could. The only ones I’ve seen fly and have experienced were the flying Dumbos at Disney. It was a thrill and made me think then, ‘maybe I could fly like an elephant,'” said chuckingly by Irene.
“Irene, you said you’d have to experience a ride in an autonomous vehicle to believe it. Well there is an opportunity for us to do it.
The tech school is offering a free ride in a self-driving car. But the participation is limited. We need to register online now.”
“What an opportunity, let’s register now. If elephants can fly, maybe a car can drive itself,” said Irene in anticipation.
Over the loud speaker, a programmed voice begins. Welcome Riders to Auto Tech. I know you’re curious and excited about experiencing first hand, traveling in an autonomous vehicle.
We have six cars available. All registered riders have been assigned to each car. Two passengers per car. Each vehicle will announce your names to report to your assigned car. Follow the vehicle instructions. Thank you for your cooperation.
Jim and Gina report to car number six. Gayle and Felix report to car number five. Jaylene and Billy Bob report to car number four. Steve and Edie report to car number three. Sisters Anna and Maria report to car number two. Faye and Irene report to car number one.
The car doors unlock and a robotic voice invites riders to enter their assigned vehicles.
Welcome Riders. I’m your driverless driver. Secure yourselves in your seats. The car will depart momentarily. No need to communicate with me, I don’t listen. I am programmed to drive and follow its instructions. So, relax and enjoy your ride.
Car number six. Jim to Gina, “This is really cool.” Gina replies, “I like how smooth it rides. It’s like being chauffeured. I can get used to this.”
Car number five. Gayle to Felix, “Can you believe it? This car is in complete control and knows where its supposed to go.” Felix replies, “That’s what makes me nervous, the car has complete control and I have none.”
Car number four. Jaylene to Billy Bob, “We are ridin’ in style and don’t have to do nothin’ but cruise in comfort.” Billy Bob replies, “I don’t mind doing nothin’, as long as I’m doing somethin’ with you.”
Car number three. Steve to Edie, “It’s truly remarkable how A.I. is affecting our lives.” Edie replies, “You know, this is one thing I welcome. It would allow us to move more freely and comfortably.”
Car number two. Sister Anna to Sister Maria, “This is a heavenly ride. But we must think about how realistic and affordable this would be for us.” Sister Maria replies, “Not necessarily the highway to heaven, but who knows?”
Car number one. Faye to Irene, “Can you believe it? We are riding in a self-driving car. Just how I imagined it. We do nothing but let the car drive. What are your thoughts, now that you have experienced a ride in a self-driving car?”
“No doubt about it, self-driving cars are a reality. I just experienced it and I liked it. But not quite as fun as riding a flying elephant.”
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark