Definition & Meaning of "roadway departure"in English

What is a "roadway departure"?

A roadway departure refers to an incident where a vehicle leaves the designated lanes or the road entirely. This can happen when a driver loses control, is distracted, or misjudges the road conditions. The vehicle may end up off the road, hitting a ditch, tree, or other obstacles. Roadway departures are often more dangerous in situations where the vehicle goes off the road at high speed or into a dangerous area. These accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if the driver or passengers are not wearing seatbelts or if the vehicle flips over.