What are friction marks caused by a vehicle tire that is sliding across a surface while still rotating?

Friction marks caused by a vehicle tire that is sliding across a surface while still rotating are referred to as scuff marks. When a tire begins to slide, the contact with the road surface creates visible patterns that result from the tire's rotation combined with its lateral movement.

Scuff marks can provide important clues in accident reconstruction, as they indicate the direction, speed, and braking behavior of the vehicle prior to the skid. They differ from other types of marks that may be left by tires, as scuff marks specifically represent the unique circumstance of a tire that is still rotating while experiencing a loss of grip, leading to the creation of these distinct friction marks on the roadway. Understanding the nature of scuff marks is critical for law enforcement and accident investigation teams when analyzing the dynamics of a vehicle involved in a collision.