Which type of mark is indicated when a tire is still moving?

Yaw marks are tire marks that occur when a vehicle is in a state of controlled sliding while it is still moving, typically during maneuvers like turns. These marks are characterized by lateral motion and often appear as arcs or curved lines on the roadway. When a vehicle is turning and begins to lose traction, the rear of the vehicle may slide outward relative to the front, creating yaw marks as the tires scuff against the surface.

In contrast, aquaplane marks occur when a tire loses contact with the road due to water, resulting in a loss of control without significant steerage. Locked skid marks are produced when tires are fully locked up—usually under hard braking—resulting in straight and dark lines on the pavement. Slide marks may indicate general sliding of the vehicle but do not necessarily convey the controlled aspect of yaw.

The definition and visual characteristics of yaw marks make them distinct and relevant for understanding vehicle dynamics in motion, especially in the context of accident reconstruction and analysis.