FORD 2002 Focus v.2 - Manual (Page 185)

Driving
185
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
The brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON/RUN) until
the parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not
recommended to stop a moving
vehicle. However, if the normal
brakes fail, the parking brake can
be used to stop your vehicle in an
emergency. Since the parking brake
applies only the rear brakes, the
vehicle's stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of
your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (Automatic
transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual
transaxle).
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as fas as possible to release
the brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.