What does a 'crook' signify on a skid mark?

A 'crook' on a skid mark signifies a bend or offset at the end of a straight skid mark, which indicates a change in direction that occurs as a vehicle is skidding. This can happen when the driver attempts to steer or regain control of the vehicle while it is in a skid.

Understanding this context is essential in accident reconstruction and analyzing the dynamics of a vehicle in motion. The presence of a crook can suggest that the driver was trying to change direction, potentially as a reaction to an obstacle or to regain control, revealing important information about the sequence of events leading to an accident.

The other options do not accurately describe the significance of a crook in a skid mark. A complete stop would not typically leave a crook, as it would show a straight line leading to a halt instead. The point of initial impact is generally indicated differently in crash analysis, usually marked by a distinct type of damage or debris presence. Similarly, the distance traveled before a collision pertains to the length of the skid, not a bend or angle in the skid mark itself.