There was a time when people drove cars, not computers, and there are those who think that such technology has overstepped its bounds. If you happen to be one of them, you're going to love this next feature.

CMBS stands for Collision Mitigation Braking System, and it's another technology being adopted by several carmakers who will all give it a different name. It's available mainly in high-end luxury cars, but will almost certainly make its way down to the masses.

Basically, a sensor in the grille monitors the closing rate between your car and the one ahead of it. If you don't slow down (perhaps because you're dialing in navigation co-ordinates or playing with the stereo) the system will alert you in a number of different ways. Some will tug on your seatbelt, while others will sound a beeper to get your attention. Finally, at the last possible moment, certain models will even apply the brakes for you to prevent or minimize an impact.

So really, who needs to drive safely when the car does it for you? A vehicle that can stop on its own accord is a frightening thought indeed.

Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS, is another high-end feature used by Audi- alerting drivers if another vehicle is residing in their blind spot before they change lanes. After all, it's hard to do a shoulder-check when there is a cellular phone wedged between it and your ear.

Audi's ESP system generally cannot be disabled completely.

ERM stands for Electronic Rollover Mitigation and is a facet of the Electronic Stability Control system used in Chrysler products. In top-heavy vehicles, like the Jeep Liberty for instance, the system monitors cornering forces and can apply brake pressure to individual wheels in a way that reduces the likelihood of a rollover should the driver make a sudden maneuver around an obstacle. Whereas the standard ESP system helps prevent skidding, ESP with ERM helps prevent rollover accidents too.

It begs the question- will they ever drop the letter "E"? Or do we keep needing a reminder that the systems are operated electronically?

TSC is another feature developed by Chrysler for its larger vehicles. It stands for Trailer Sway Control, and detects alternating yaw in the vehicle caused by a swaying trailer. The computer applies the brakes in a special and specific pattern to cancel out the swaying motion- no driver input required. It is perhaps the only truly intelligent feature on this list.

The world of annoying automotive abbreviations is not going to get any less complicated, but at least now you're current- until the next breed of cars that can drive themselves. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your favorite sales representative for a full explanation.