The term 'HITS THE ROAD' is an idiom that means to leave quickly and abruptly. This phrase can be broken down into six crossword solutions: SPLITS (6 letters), SCRAMS (6 letters), LEAVES (6 letters), DEPARTS (7 letters), GOES (4 letters), and BUGSOUT (7 letters). SPLITS implies a separation, SCRAMS suggests a hurried departure, LEAVES implies a permanent exit, DEPARTS implies a journey, GOES implies movement, and BUGSOUT implies a sudden and hasty retreat. All of these words together paint a picture of someone leaving quickly and without warning.