BMW Creating Left Turn Assistant

BMW is developing "Left Turn Assistant" which uses GPS and a camera to determine if the driver is about to make a left turn. The GPS system can locate the car to within a meter of its actual location and determine if it is in a left turn lane. A camera also identifies left turn markings in the road. When the system determines the driver is about to turn left, it activates lasers to look about 100 yards ahead for oncoming traffic which, if detected, activates a visual warning for the driver and applies the brakes.

The system only works at speeds below about 6 mph and, if the driver hits the brakes or taps the accelerator, the system deactivates.

[Source: cnet cartech blog]