Brakes help but in most situations, but people wouldn't know how to use them instinctively. We can all sit here and talk theory but many drivers (young and old) lack these instincts.
Some non-ABS people just mash pedal and prey, which means a massive slide onto what they're looking at.
Some ABS people mash pedal, and jump off it because they're not use to the pulsing pedal.