JERRY SEINFELD - COMEDIAN SEINFELD ESCAPES DEATH AFTER CAR BRAKES FAIL

Well-known comedian Jerry Seinfeld has escaped unhurt after the brakes failed on one of his classic cars while he was driving.

The 53-year-old, most famous for his self-titled sitcom - arguably the most famous in American TV history, was driving a 1967 Fiat near his home in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York State.

He first realised the problem when trying to stop at a busy junction and the brakes did not respond - a fault later put down to "mechanical failure".

It is not clear at what speed the car was travelling, although it is thought Seinfeld - who starred in hit film Bee Movie recently - was within the speed limit.

The comedian swerved his two-door sports saloon through the traffic, but could not prevent it flipping onto its roof where it skidded and came to a halt near a main road.

After the incident, Seinfeld was reported to be shaken but unhurt and returned to his home a few hours later.

Later, Seinfeld delivered a characteristic quip when asked about the experience.

"I know there are kids out there, so I want to make sure they all know that driving without braking is not something I recommend, unless you have professional clown training or a comedy background, as I do," he joked.

"It is not something I plan to make a habit of."