Many cars have braking assist, which applies more pedal pressure to assist wimpy drivers in panic stops. Mercedes cars go a big step beyond this and automatically slow in hazardous situations a) if the car has a radar sensor (through its Distronic active cruise control) and b) when the driver's foot is already on the brake pedal.

Now, the Acura 2006 RL applies the brakes even when you don't have your foot on the pedal. Acura's "collision mitigation" braking system, part of the RL Technology Package option with active cruise control, takes over in three stages when there's a hazard within 100 meters (300 feet): First, a warning light and signal; second, light braking and retraction of the seatbelts to take out slack; and third, heavy braking and forceful seatbelt retraction. The collision mitigation braking system will not bring the car to a complete stop, however.