What is 'emergency braking'?

Emergency braking refers to a rapid and immediate application of the brakes in urgent situations. This type of braking is designed to quickly bring the train to a stop in response to unexpected hazards or emergencies, such as obstacles on the tracks or other critical situations that require prompt action to ensure safety. The process is crucial because it relies on the most effective means to slow down and ultimately halt the train, which can prevent accidents and protect passengers, crew, and infrastructure.

In contrast, other choices describe processes that are either not focused on urgent response or are not related to immediate braking actions. A gradual slowdown of the train over time does not provide the swift response needed during emergencies, and a routine check of braking systems is preventative and does not apply to real-time situations. A manual override of the braking system suggests an alteration to the braking process, but it does not specifically entail the immediate and strong application of brakes that characterizes emergency braking.