What distinguishes yaw marks from other types of tire marks?

Yaw marks are specifically characterized by their curved appearance, which is a result of the vehicle's tires sliding at an angle to the direction of travel. This type of mark typically shows darker outer tire marks because as the tires lose traction and slide, they create friction against the road surface, leading to a more pronounced and darker mark on the outside edge of the tire's path.

The unique feature of yaw marks is their reliance on the vehicle's lateral movement due to sharp turns or oversteering, which differentiates them from other tire marks. Other marks, such as skid marks, may be straight or exhibit different characteristics based on the motion of the vehicle, while yaw marks are distinctly curved due to the dynamics of turning. Understanding this distinction is crucial in accident reconstruction, as it provides insights into the vehicle's behavior during the incident.