Abstract: The emergency brake comprises an elongated flexible skid member which is held within a tray-like support member above the wheels of a vehicle upon which it is used. During an emergency situation, the tray is dropped to a position proximate the vehicle wheels and a free end of the skid is fed out of the tray under the power of an electric motor which is engaged with the skid. The skid then becomes entrapped between a wheel and its support surface. A stop member on the skid abuts a cooperating stop member on the support tray at which time further advance of the skid from the tray is halted. Hardened steel tips are included on the skid pointing in a direction away from the vehicle wheel and into the support surface of the vehicle wheel. These hardened steel tips dig into the support surface and, together with the cooperating stop elements, cause cessation of the forward movement of the vehicle.