It is to protect the cables that the cars are kept at the top.
BMRider wrote:Giant Drop uses the same system of braking as Intamin coasters. The ride is safe. Why would they operate a ride that isn't safe?
Basically, that's right. And as for it stopping people low, yes it does. That's why a lot of enthusiasts think it is one of the best drop towers there are. Where it starts stopping people about 1/4th of the way down, others start as high as about 1/2. You don't really see or feel it kick in until probably the final 30 or so feet on Giant Drop.