Only to Americans - this is how we drive in the UK. Use the handbrake when stopped in traffic where there is any slight incline, at junctions and traffic lights. It is as taught this way with IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) and Police driver training too (friends who drive police cars both use the handbrake - and their training is strict). It is just a better method, there is no advantage of not using the handbrake in this way apart from less effort and not appearing a newb to Americans.