Toyota will make automatic braking near-standard by 2017 https://t.co/3776w0y4yw pic.twitter.com/SHJmuqYuWB

— Engadget (@engadget) March 28, 2016

By the end of 2017, said Toyota at the New York International Auto Show last month, automatic emergency braking will be a standard feature on nearly all new Toyota vehicles.

Finally, we get to drive like it's the future!

Sure, we may not have flying cars yet, or even self-driving cars (with sarcastic, crime-fighting British A.I.s), but by the end of next year we'll all have the chance to enjoy semi-autonomous technology at no added charge.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) used to only be available on the top-tier models of the most expensive brands. Then Toyota began offering an affordable option with Toyota Safety Sense, which is currently available on most new vehicles.

Now when you drive a Toyota, advanced sensors and computers designed to prevent and mitigate frontal collisions are something you can take for granted.

In addition to the Pre-Collison System (Toyota's version of AEB), Toyota Safety Sense also includes Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.

Visit Del Toyota Inc. to test drive a new Toyota in Thorndale, PA, and learn more about using semi-autonomous driving aids.