What is the purpose of an "escape ramp"?

An escape ramp serves a critical safety function for vehicles, particularly in mountainous or hilly regions where trucks may face significant braking challenges on steep downgrades. The primary purpose of an escape ramp is to provide a safe area for vehicles that are unable to maintain control due to brake failure, excessive speed, or other reasons. These ramps are designed with a downhill slope and often incorporate soft materials (like gravel or sand) that can help slow down a runaway vehicle effectively before it can reach a potentially dangerous area, such as a busy highway or an intersection. This design reduces the risk of catastrophic accidents, protecting both the driver and other road users. The ramps are placed strategically at intervals along downhill grades where the need for safe stopping may be most critical.