There has been a good bit of debate lately regarding the amount of technology that automakers continue to pack into cars; some argue that technology further distracts the driver from the road, while others assert that technologies can help the driver become more aware of their surrounding environments. In conjunction with these claims has come a novel idea: cars that drive themselves. Is there a better solution to keep distracted drivers safe than a vehicle that doesn't require all of their attention? BMW has been at the forefront of this new technology, and its new prototype vehicle can (almost) drive itself.

Following in the footsteps of companies like Google (that have created similar prototypes before), BMW has created a "highly" automated car. So, how does the BMW prototype work? Well, it uses lasers, camera, sensors, and radar systems to determine its position on the road and its proximity to other vehicles. Unlike Google's fully-automated one, the driver still must take control of the automated systems as needed. BMW designers must have fully mapped out a highway ahead of time for the automatic system to kick in. The prototype also has a database with stored speed limits for particular roads and a function to safely pass slower vehicles. BMW asserts the prototype testing is at an advanced stage, so we could see vehicles like this on the road sooner, rather than later.

BMW of Pembroke Pines, located at 14800 Sheridan St. Pembroke Pines, FL 33331, has you covered on all the latest BMW news, so stay tuned here for updates as they become available.