What is a skid mark?

A skid mark is specifically defined as the mark left on the road surface by a tire that is sliding or skidding during braking. When a tire loses traction, whether from hard braking or loss of control, the friction between the tire and the road surface generates these distinct marks, which are typically straight and can provide crucial information about the vehicle's speed, direction, and the dynamics of the incident that caused the skid.

In contrast, a mark created by a vehicle that has come to a complete stop would not qualify as a skid mark, as there is no sliding involved. Similarly, while a series of tire impressions may indicate a vehicle’s path, they do not typically reflect the conditions of skidding. Lastly, a line made by a vehicle traveling at a constant speed would not produce a skid mark since that scenario implies the tires are maintaining traction with the road. Thus, recognizing the unique nature of skid marks is essential for accident reconstruction and understanding vehicular behavior in critical situations.