What is the shoulder of a road?

Most modern highways and streets, however, have a shoulder of the road, which is designed to improve safety and allow for emergency situations. Although it appears to be nothing more than another lane of blacktop, it is also an essential element in the management of traffic and protection from injury on the roadway. Road shoulders are often recognized as an important aspect of a road’s design and layout to promote the use of road space, whether it be for the benefit of a driver or a cyclist or a pedestrian, and knowing what the shoulder is for can help you use the road more safely, no matter what type of user you are. In this blog, We are going to talk about what is the shoulder of the road, their functions, types, and safety measures.

What is the Shoulder of the Road?

The shoulder is the section of land or pavement outside of the main travel lanes of the road. Typically, it is located on either side of highways and roads, acting as a metal sheet for broken-down cars, emergency stopping and maintenance.

• Types of Road Shoulders
  • Paved Shoulder – Made from asphalt or concrete, provides a hardtop surface for the vehicles.
  • Gravel Shoulder – Loose gravel, providing minimal vehicle stability
  • Soft Shoulder – Appears to be made of dirt or grass and will not support a vehicle.
• Main Technical Roles of the Shoulder
  • An emergency safe stopping area.
  • Provision for pedestrians and cyclists in sidewalk-less spaces
  • A dedicated lane for emergency vehicles
  • A recovery area for drivers who leave the main roadway.

You may also read: Dangerous Highways in the US

Purpose of the Shoulder of the Road:

Road shoulder is mainly used for safety and accessibility. Some key purposes include:

• Emergency Stops — Drivers can pull over to emergency stops on the shoulder in the event of a breakdown, medical emergency, or flat tire.
• Emergency Vehicle Access – Shoulders are used by ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks to get around traffic jams.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Use – In the absence of sidewalks, pedestrians and cyclists using shoulders can help them travel safely.
• Drainage Support — Shoulders help to funnel rain away from the roadway which can help reduce hydroplaning,
• Buffer Zone for Traffic —The shoulder serves as a buffer zone that can mitigate the impact when someone changes lanes suddenly.

Safety Tips for Using the Road Shoulder:

Road shoulders can be used incorrectly and this can cause car accidents or can be legally penalised. Below are some important safety tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians:

• For Drivers

Use Only as a Last Resort: Pull over wherever you can if it is in case of the mechanical fault or medical emergency.

Hazards ON: If you stop on the shoulder the first thing you need to do is put your hazard lights on to inform other drivers.

Exit the Vehicle on the Passenger Side: If you must exit your vehicle, you should exit on the side which is away from traffic.

Call for Help Immediately: If you can, stay inside your vehicle and call road side assistance or the cops.

Return To Traffic Safely: Get back up to speed along the shoulder before hopping into the lane in front of cars when it is safe to do so.

• For Cyclists and Pedestrians

Be Especially Careful: Watch for vehicles helping or emergency vehicles on the shoulder.

If you have to walk or bike at night, wear bright clothes so you can be seen and reflective gear as well.

Obey Local Laws: In some areas, it’s illegal to walk or ride on the shoulder of the road. Always check regulations.

Legal Guidelines for Using Road Shoulders:

Road shoulder usage law varies by region. Common legal aspects are as follows:

• Shoulder Stopping: stopping in the shoulder is against the law in some places and can lead to fines if it is not an emergency.
• Shoulder Driving — Many highways allow for temporary shoulder use during times of traffic congestion, but for the most part, driving on the shoulder is prohibited.
• Bikes and Pedestrians (Some jurisdictions permit non-motorized traffic on shoulders; other jurisdictions prohibit it for safety reasons.)
• No Parking: It is illegal to park on the shoulder for long periods of time, unless in a designated rest area.
• Emergency Vehicles: In some states if you pass a vehicle stopped on the shoulder you must change lanes from the vehicle. These laws are known as “Move Over” laws.

Local traffic laws should always be checked to verify road shoulder regulation.

Final Thoughts:

The road shoulder is part of road safety from a road perspective, it is beneficial for parking in emergencies, as a road presence, as well as access for emergency vehicles. Incorrect usage, however, may lead to accidents, traffic violations, or even death. With an understanding of what road shoulders are for, some safety tips, and compliance with the laws, however, they are a safe roadway to travel on by the drivers and cyclists and a safe spot for pedestrians to use or stand as well.