in manual, it is the matter of fact - you can even drop it in N while coasting to the red light, stop sign, etc... if you are driving manual, that means that you are more involved with the operation of the vehicle...
in automatic, for all the above reasons, makes no sense... I totally agree with JCL on the evasive maneuvers in case of a pending collision, hostile takeover, possible carjacking... err... well, at least where i come from or go to... lol...