Final answer:
The purpose of a road shoulder includes providing space for disabled vehicles, space for emergency maneuvers, and to channel water away, but it is not for passing on the right.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a road shoulder is multifaceted. Among its main functions are to provide space for disabled vehicles to pull over out of the travel lanes, to offer a space for drivers to perform evasive maneuvers in emergencies, and to help channel water away from the road surface. However, the road shoulder is not intended for regular travel, and thus, it is not designed to provide space for passing on the right during normal driving conditions. Using the shoulder to pass on the right can be unsafe and is typically illegal, as the shoulder is reserved for emergencies and breakdowns.