Let’s be honest here, if it was as close as you’re implying, a solid 50% or more of people would not have avoided the accident. Just look around when you’re out driving and see how many people are paying that close attention. I still think auto braking is better than nothing. Remembering cars have ABS and you’d still be able to steer around as needed. Presumably the car would let you override by pressing the accelerator.
Is Pompeii from a past geological age?
2000 years ago doesn’t seem important on geological time scales.