Why do drivers pull their handbrakes on so hard?

During over 50 years of driving experience, it has always been a puzzle to me as to why it is that, when parking on a level road, so many drivers attempt to pull the parking brake lever from its mountings. The amount of force so deployed is unnecessary, putting extreme strain on all relevant parts. The electric parking brake on my Citroen C4 Grande Picasso (my third) completely covers this point.

Asked on 23 November 2013 by MM, Bracknell

Answered by Honest John
Except that on a number of cars the electric parking brake motors suffer ingress of moisture, locking them on, and requiring replacement at £600 a side. Where cars are fitted with lever operated ‘hand’ brakes, The Highway Code wisely advises leaving them in gear for added security.
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