Early steam locomotives had no brakes. At first, engineers threw out marine-like anchors, hoping to hook something along the right-of-way. Later, trains were slowed by using the steam pistons as compressors to absorb power and avoid wear on mechanical parts—this is the counter-pressure brake dating from 1856. This proved to be inefficient and fuel-intensive—worse, in the hands of an inexperienced engineer, misuse could be fatal. Public and press outrage at railroad accidents pressured government officials to mandate safety features like locomotive brakes.