What is the purpose of an emergency stopping system in a vehicle?

The purpose of an emergency stopping system in a vehicle is to provide a fail-safe mechanism that activates when the primary service brake system malfunctions. This system is crucial for ensuring safety, allowing the vehicle to come to a stop even if the regular braking system cannot function properly. By having an emergency stopping system, the risk of accidents due to brake failure is significantly reduced, as it acts as a backup that can be relied on in critical situations.

In contrast, slowing down the vehicle gradually refers to the standard operation of the service brakes, which is not the primary function of an emergency system. Holding a vehicle stationary typically involves the parking brake, which secures the vehicle when it is stationary but does not serve the function of stopping in an emergency scenario. Enhancing vehicle performance relates to aspects like acceleration, speed, or maneuverability, which are not connected to the emergency stopping system's primary function of ensuring safety in the event of brake failure.