SMART'S THE WORD IN DETROIT

THE BIG THREE ARE INVENTING AUTOS THAT THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND COMPENSATE FOR THEIR DRIVERS' FAILINGS

It is after midnight, and Larry is barreling along the freeway at 65 m.p.h., his car in cruise control. He is drowsy, his attention drifts, and he fails to notice the dimly lighted truck ahead of him. Suddenly, as he closes in on the truck, his car automatically slows to 50 m.p.h., maintaining a safe distance between the two vehicles.

Jolted into awareness, Larry decides to pass the truck. He does not see another car just beginning to overtake him, hidden in the blind spot on his left. But as he moves toward the passing lane, a warning light flashes on...

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