As it happens, Toyota later announced that it is planning to install as standard equipment a brake override system in which the brake will stop the car even if the accelerator is pressed simultaneously.

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Police said the driver had pulled the emergency brake but was unable to stop in time.

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As you approach the intersection, the traffic light above flashes yellow and you softly ease your foot onto the brake, coming to a nice, easy stop.

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Push down on the brake pedal forcefully and keep your foot down until you stop.

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Cars that can "see" the road, sense potential dangers and steer, brake and control speed automatically could ease the drudgery of stop-and-go traffic or long drives, and prevent many accidents caused by drowsy, inattentive or impaired drivers.

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In its seven-minute descent, the Curiosity craft must brake from 13, 200 miles per hour to a gentle stop on the Martian surface.

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The spot did not show a Jeep, just its red brake lights and blinker as it burrowed under the deep snow and stopped at a stop sign.

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It said "the driver applied the emergency brake as soon as he realised this, but there was insufficient distance in which to stop and avoid trapping the guard who had moved back between the coaches to complete the work associated with the uncoupling".

BBC: Robert Lund