What is meant by detour?

A detour refers to a departure from the normal road, often implemented when usual routes are unavailable or impractical for navigation. This can occur for various reasons, such as road construction, detours during an event, or other temporary obstructions. When drivers encounter a detour, they may need to take an alternative path to reach their destinations safely, ensuring that they continue to adhere to road regulations and guidelines.

While some of the other options may seem related to the concept of a detour, they do not fully capture its essence. For example, avoiding traffic jams or taking a shortcut could imply making a strategic decision that doesn't necessarily involve a mandated diversion from the main route. Similarly, a detour due to road work may be a specific instance of a detour, rather than defining what a detour intrinsically is. The broad understanding of a detour as a departure from the usual road thus encompasses those various situations in which drivers find themselves needing to adjust their routes.