What are skid marks produced by a tire in a locked wheel sliding over a surface called?

Skid marks produced by a tire in a locked wheel sliding over a surface are known as skid marks. These marks are created when a vehicle's tire does not rotate while sliding, which typically occurs during hard braking when the wheels lock up. The friction between the tire and the road surface causes visible markings, which can provide crucial information about the dynamics of a vehicle during an incident, such as speed, braking effort, and road conditions.

In forensic and accident investigation contexts, analyzing these skid marks can help reconstruct the events leading up to a collision, allowing investigators to assess factors such as whether a driver was speeding or whether additional stopping distance was required. The presence of skid marks is significant, as they indicate that a tire was sliding rather than rolling, which can influence how an investigation is understood and interpreted.