Honda has joined the self-driving car bandwagon by testing out the technology with an Acura RLX sedan, according to Economic Times.

The Japanese automaker test drove the prototype on Tuesday in Detroit. As it entered the freeway, the driver took his hands off the wheel and the car drove itself.

The Acura accelerated and decelerated according to the road's speed limit and even gently activated the brakes every time it gets too close to the car in front of it.   

The car even turned on its signal light and waited for the right time before changing lanes.

Tech journalist Richard Lawler got the chance got the chance to ride inside the car as a passenger. According to him, the vehicle is capable of merging into other lanes "better than some people I know," Metro reported.

According to the manufacturer, the self-driving Acura RLX stays on the right lane with the help of cameras and sensors on the front and sides of the car that monitor the lines and markings on the road.

Like Google's self-driving car, Honda's prototype has a beacon mounted on the roof. This equipment uses laser beams that constantly scan the surroundings of the car. A global positioning system allows the car to strictly follow the various speed limits on the road and stay on the mapped course.

Although the car can drive itself, Honda explained that it will turn over the control to the driver once it detects that it cannot handle the situation. This usually happens when the car detects unexpected obstacles on the road.

Honda said the company's self-driving technology may be installed in its other vehicles by 2020.

Like other automakers, Honda is hoping to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians by introducing high-tech features through the use of self-driving technology, according to Financial Express.

"Honda is aiming to eliminate accidents, not just for the driver but for pedestrians and drivers of other cars," the company's chief engineer Hironobu Kiryu said.