i guarantee u downshifting from 5th to 2nd or from 3rd-4th to first(not recommended) but can be done if rpms are high will stop u faster than breaks...u cant always rely on ur brakes and tires to stop you think about what you are saying, how can a car (on tires) possible be slowed down any faster then a brake that virtually slows the tires to the point they are practically sliding over the pavement? its physically impossible. downshifting that severly is only going to lock the drive wheels to a slow rotation, the same as braking without anti-lock brakes, which is NOT going to slow you down as much. its in your mind. you might as well yank the parking brake if thats how you feel. my brakes have never gone out, but ive stalled a car before. thus, a manual is is more dangerous in the real world. stalling a car in traffic is not dangerous as u say it is, ok u stall than u turn it back on again...takes u less than 10 seconds intersections, train crossings, 2 and 4 way stops, bad neighborhoods? 10 seconds can be enough to have a problem. you stall when theres oncoming traffic and you have to count on another person to stop. its not very often, but it happens. seems like u got some personal experiences to share