The autonomous car is very much upon us. Anyone who has gotten on the internet in the past six months has surely seen something about a car that drives itself and several very anxious passengers. Obviously, this changes a lot. After all, since the debut of the automobile as we know it, the driver has always been responsible for where the car goes and what it does, but autonomous cars are a complete game changer. Every single aspect of what they will do and how they will affect our world is being considered by governments and scientists.

Everything from insurance policies to responsibilities in an accident to the technology used and even ethical issues are being sorted out before the masses can drive- or be driven by a self-piloting machine on the road. Every single potential aspect of our lives that will change is being thought out. Except one.

How will autonomous cars affect the high school parking lot?

Today many new cars can drive themselves part of the time. They are “semi-autonomous”. But we are definitely moving towards a car that can drive itself all of the time. While these will be incredibly new and fantastic, it stands to reason that these feats of modern engineering will trickle down to high school students in several years’ time.

And this does sound really nice at first. Accidents should, in theory at least, be cut down to nil. Which should make everyone happy. And imagine instead of groggily getting behind the wheel for the morning commute, catching a few more moments of sleep before school starts. Driving would never be stressful, it would be relaxing all the time. Parents would never worry about their children returning home at night on unfamiliar roads. It sounds perfect. It sounds like everyone wins. Well, everyone except for high school students themselves.

Cars are an integral part of teenagers’ lives. A first car is a gateway to freedom. However, without being able to pilot the car, how can someone do a burnout in the parking lot? Would autonomous cars be able to impress girls with a poorly executed handbrake turn? Probably not. And I doubt a computer would allow for some smoky doughnuts. While many would argue autonomous cars are a sign of progress, all the usual high school automotive shenanigans wouldn’t really be possible. Yes fender benders and hopefully all accidents will be a thing of the past, but so will revving engines and car culture as we know it. And without tire smoke, burnt rubber, and tortured clutches, youths will have to amuse themselves in other ways. And yet, these are the tradeoffs of progress. Autonomous cars will be an effective mode of transportation, but nothing more.

In all honesty, it’s probably good that teenagers won’t be able to drive fast or partake in other risky activities, but they will be missed nonetheless. However, it’s not just the speed, but the feel of controlling a machine; being at one with a piece of mechanical engineering. It’s the bond we make with our cars that I’ll miss.

But the transition from shifting cogs to reading blogs while in the car does seem inevitable. It would appear that the dream will last only as long as the cars of today.