Ford Repair: second gear in an automatic, hazardous road conditions, other vehicles

Question
Hi, I hope you can answer a question that has been bothering me for years.  I know low gear provides traction, but when would one use second gear with an automatic transmission?

Answer
Steve-

  You mean why is it an option on an automatic gearshift?  Two reasons.  One being that it's meant to be an extention of first gear in hazardous road conditions (snow, ice, heavy rain, etc.).  The bigger reason, though, is usually for towing.  I know...many vehicles that have this feature couldn't tow a tricycle...but the same transmissions are put into other vehicles that can and it's just easier to make one setup for everything.  Hope this helps.

Steve