DRIVEINSERT - NEWS HEADLINE

DRIVE

INSERT - NEWS HEADLINE:

“Successful self-driving car trial. Company says that production for cars starts soon.”

INT. SELF DRIVING CAR - DAY

TONY, 20’s, clean-cut car tester, sits in a self-driving car.

The car is very futuristic with a slick design and lots of controls, lights, and switches inside. It looks like a jet cockpit.

Tony looks at the many sensors and controls and pushes a couple of buttons.

TONY
So far, so good for the second test. Right, guys?

The CONTROL CENTER, a calm female voice, comes on.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

Right, Tony. We have done half of the items on the checklist and it’s looking good.

Tony enjoys the view as he drives along.

TONY
What’s left to do next?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

We will be going into the highway next.

The car increases speed. Tony clutches onto the sides of the car.

TONY
Hey, what’s going on? Why am Iswerving in and out of traffic?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

We’re looking into it, Tony.

Tony slams against one side of the car.

TONY
Whoa, this is weird. The car’s gone berserk.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

Still looking, Tony.

The car speeds up again.

TONY
Please help me, it’s increasing speed. We’re coming really close to some cars...

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

Don’t panic. From what we see, there is a glitch in your operating system.

Tony’s jaw drops.

TONY
How can this happen--Never mind, what can I do so I don’t experience a terrible death?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

We’re checking into it, be patient.

Tony rolls his eyes.

FLASHBACK - INT. HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

TONY’S DAD, 40’s, sits on the couch. Tony stands in front of him with his arms crossed.

TONY’S DAD
Why don’t you learn how to drive? You’re old enough to get your license.

TONY
But I don’t need to learn, dad. I take Uber and the train all the time. Plus, walking is great exercise.

TONY’S DAD
What is it with your generation and finding learning how to drive so boring? Driving gives you freedom.

INT. SELF DRIVING CAR - DAY - BACK TO PRESENT DAY

Tony falls back as the car swerves.

TONY
Hello, Control Center? Some help here. I’m a lab rat speeding to certain death.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

It’s not a glitch. Your car has been hacked.

Tony takes a deep breath.

TONY
Who would hack us? Never mind, that doesn’t make a difference. Get me out of here.

Outside, cars BEEP at him and drivers yell.

TONY (CONT'D)

It’s not me. It’s the car.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

We’re trying to shut it off remotely, but because of the hack, we can’t.

Tony searches the controls for the manual stop. Several lights blink on and off.

TONY
Put it on manual and tell me how to stop it from my end.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

Tony...

TONY
What’s up? Why are you taking so long? Just spill it.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

There is no manual stop.

Tony freezes.

TONY
What? There was a manual stop during our first test. What the hell happened to it?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

It was deemed unnecessary and the space was needed for special features - you know, the ones they will pay extra for.

Tony shakes his head.

TONY

Of course...

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)
We are sending help though. No worries.

The car swerves between the highway wall and a truck.

TONY
So, you’re going to send someone to help me crash? We’ve only done this once in the lab. Are you sure about this?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

The team will be there in three minutes.

Tony groans and bangs his head against the window.

TONY’S DAD (V.O.)
Why don’t you learn how to drive, son?

TONY
I have a bad feeling about this.

He stares at his reflection on the window.

TONY (CONT'D)
You know how your life flashes before your eyes before you die?

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.)

The team should be arriving. Hang in there, Tony.

Tony sits in silence.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.) Tony, are you there? Can you see

the team.

Tony looks out the window and sees two SUVs drive up to his car.

TONY
Yeah, I think so. Two cars are surrounding me.

CONTROL CENTER (V.O.) See? Just like in the lab. Everything will be fine.

Tony shakes his head.

TONY
Tell my parents I love them. Tell the boss that my bonus goes to them.

He wipes a tear from his eye.

TONY (CONT'D)
And for crying out loud, put the manual stop back on.

The SUVs push the car over the shoulder of the road. It increases speed again and crashes into the wall.

There is a loud SCREECH and a BOOM. The car explodes.

INSERT - NEWS HEADLINE:

“Self-driving car accident due to human error. New models will be fully automated to prevent future accidents.”

##