How can skid marks help in a traffic crash investigation?

Skid marks are critical in traffic crash investigations as they provide valuable information about the dynamics of a vehicle leading up to the crash. Specifically, the length and type of skid marks can help investigators estimate the speeds of the vehicles involved just prior to braking, as well as the braking patterns used by the driver.

For instance, long skid marks typically indicate a higher speed at the time the driver began braking, while shorter marks might suggest lower speeds or effective braking. Additionally, the characteristics of the skid marks—such as their width and depth—can indicate whether a driver was braking hard, accelerating, or trying to maneuver away from the impending collision.

This understanding of vehicle speeds and braking is essential for reconstruction analyses, enabling investigators to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.