What distinguishes yaw marks from other tire marks?

Yaw marks are distinctive because they exhibit a characteristic curved pattern that results from the lateral skidding of a vehicle during a turn. This type of tire mark occurs when a vehicle is cornering but has lost traction, causing the back tires to slide outwards while the front tires maintain a forward trajectory. The presence of small stripes or parallel marks, often referred to as striations, enhances this distinction, as they reflect the tire's rotation while sliding. This unique combination of curvature and markings sets yaw marks apart from other types of tire impressions, such as skid marks (which are typically straight) or tire tracks made under different driving conditions. Understanding the nature of yaw marks is crucial for accident reconstruction and determining vehicle dynamics during an incident.