What are offset skids characterized by?

Offset skids are characterized by skid marks created by an outside force that causes a vehicle to change direction. When a vehicle is forced to turn or veer unexpectedly, whether due to evasive action, loss of control, or impact, the resulting skid marks will not follow a straight line. Instead, they will indicate a change in the vehicle's trajectory caused by that external force. This change is reflected in the pattern of the skid marks, which may appear at an angle or curve, demonstrating the vehicle's deviation from its original path.

Understanding the nature of these skid marks is critical in accident reconstruction and analysis, as they provide valuable insight into the dynamics of the incident, such as speed, angle of approach, and point of impact. Recognizing how these kinematics relate to the behaviors of drivers and vehicles helps investigators and law enforcement officials better assess the circumstances surrounding the event.