What is a crowned road characterized by?

A crowned road is designed to have a shape where the surface is higher in the middle than on the sides. This design facilitates water drainage, directing rainwater off the road and preventing accumulation that can lead to hazardous conditions like hydroplaning or reduced traction. By being higher at the center, the crown allows for effective runoff to the edges, reducing the chances of water pooling on the roadway.

Roads that are flat across the surface would not effectively drain water, leading to potential safety issues. Similarly, a road that is steeper on the sides than in the middle or made of gravel does not accurately define the feature of a crowned road, as these may not adhere to the principles of proper drainage and surface management that a crowned road exemplifies.