[Pick-A-Hill2019]

I know that it is frowned on here at HN to ask 'did you read the article' however -

The Mainichi daily said the bus automatically stopped but the operators pressed the start button as they did not think he would walk out on to the road. (fourth paragraph from the end).

Perhaps you missed that part?

[mikestew]

Missed what part? What you quoted is to me exactly the same as a "run people over anyway" button. Sure, you and the article author can call it a "start" button if you like, but in this case it served perfectly well as a "run people over regardless of what the bus computer says" button.

[Lorean]

But that's exactly what this question refers to...

[hulitu]

The bus should have stopped even when the operators told it to continue. Basic safety design.