A road shoulder is a paved or unpaved area situated at the side of the road that is designed to accommodate vehicles and pedestrians. There are different synonyms for road shoulder, depending on the context and the region, these include verge, shoulder, berm, hard shoulder, breakdown lane, emergency lane, and safety lane. In rural areas, the term "ditch" is often used to describe roadside areas that are sloped and vegetated. The term "pavement edge" or "curb" is used to describe a shoulder on urban roads that is separated from the roadway by a curb or a barrier. Regardless of the term used, the road shoulder serves as a crucial space for motorists and pedestrians alike to safely navigate the roads.