What do yaw marks indicate during a vehicle crash?

Yaw marks are crucial evidence when analyzing vehicle dynamics during a crash. They are produced when a vehicle slides sideways while the wheels are still turning, causing the tire to slip and create friction marks on the road surface. These marks are typically curved, reflecting the trajectory of the vehicle as it loses control in a sideways motion, rather than moving straight.

This curvature is significant because it helps investigators understand how the vehicle was maneuvering at the moment of the incident. By studying the shape and orientation of the yaw marks, one can infer how fast the vehicle was moving, the angle at which it was turning, and the overall stability or loss of control experienced by the driver. All of these factors are critical in reconstructing the events leading up to the crash.

In contrast, other options refer to different types of marks or events that are not specifically indicative of yawing, such as braking forces or impacts, making them less relevant in this context.