What is a common misconception about skid marks?

Skid marks can indeed occur without tire rotation, which is a key reason this understanding is vital in accident reconstruction and investigation. When a vehicle skids, it can leave behind marks regardless of whether the tires are rotating or not. This can happen during emergency braking situations where the tires lock up, causing the vehicle to slide without a complete tire rotation. Understanding this helps in accurately assessing the conditions of the accident scene and determining the dynamics involved in the crash.

This misconception helps clarify the role of skid marks as indicators of vehicular movement. The other choices involve the mistaken belief that skid marks are exclusive to certain speeds or behaviors, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of the physical evidence at an accident scene. For instance, skid marks can occur at varying speeds, not just high speeds, and they may not always show a curve; they can be straight as well. Additionally, while skid marks can suggest a vehicle's behavior and speed, they cannot provide a definitive measurement of speed, as several external factors can influence the appearance of the marks.