Because the car would not stop as I pumped the brake pedal, it jumped a curb and plowed into a brick planter. I narrowly missed squashing a large passing pedestrian. We think the problem is due to the brake pedal being very narrow (3" at the most) and located right next to the accelerator. The theory is that my foot slipped off the brake pedal and was trapped underneath it and on top of the accelerator.

I'm a careful drive, don't drink and haven't had an accident in many years. I firmly believe that this is a mechanical design flaw.