Ford's 'Traffic Jam Assist': Are we close to a driverless car?

Soon, frustrated motorists might have the option of kicking back on congested highways and letting their cars do the driving

According to simulated studies of Ford's Traffic Jam Assistant, travel time for drivers could be cut down by 37.5% and delays by 20% — Ford hopes to roll out this new technology by 2025.
(Image credit: Ford Motor Company and Wieck Media Services)

Ford Motor Company is joining the race to develop a hands-off system that would let motorists relax while cars drive and park themselves. At an event showcasing the automaker's 2013 models on Tuesday, Ford unveiled a a new tool called Traffic Jam Assist, which will give drivers the option of handing over control to the car in slow, heavy traffic. Is this a leap toward the dream of kicking back while a Jetsonian driverless car takes you where you want to go? Here's what you should know:

How does Traffic Jam Assist work?

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