When should drivers use the emergency brake according to SOGs?

The use of the emergency brake is primarily intended for situations where the primary braking system has failed completely. In such emergencies, the emergency brake serves as a crucial safety mechanism, allowing the driver to slow down and bring the vehicle to a stop. This prevents potentially dangerous situations that could arise from losing braking capabilities during operation.

While the emergency brake can also be used for specific scenarios like parking or when a driver anticipates trouble with the vehicle's main braking system, the key point emphasized in standard operating guidelines is its role during a complete brake failure. This is because relying on the emergency brake under normal conditions, such as routine stops or improving stopping distance, could lead to unsafe driving practices or accidents.