The ________ is the pitch or grade of a road's surface perpendicular to its centerline that helps drain water and improve vehicle stability.

• A. Grade
• B. Cross slope
• C. Slope
• D. Profile

Answer: (B)

Cross slope is the sideways tilt of the road surface, measured perpendicular to the centerline. This transverse grade makes water run off to the sides rather than toward the center, which helps keep the driving path dry and improves stability by reducing the chance of hydroplaning or patchy grip. It’s different from the road’s longitudinal grade or slope, which run along the direction of travel and affect ascent or descent along the length, not across the width. The term profile relates to the vertical shape of the road along its path, not the sideways tilt. In practice, a light cross slope—usually around 1 to 2 percent—balances drainage with rider comfort.