Macon County Law Enforcement Center (MCLC) Comprehensive State Practice Exam

Which type of skid pattern is NOT typically observed at a traffic crash scene?

1. Braking

2. Yaw

3. Acceleration

4. Hovering

The correct answer is: Hovering

The type of skid pattern that is typically NOT observed at a traffic crash scene is one characterized by hovering. In accident reconstruction, skid patterns provide vital clues about the circumstances surrounding a collision. Braking skids occur when a vehicle's brakes are applied with sufficient force, causing the tires to lock and slide along the road surface. This results in a distinct skid mark that indicates the points of contact and the trajectory of the vehicle during the stop. Yaw skids happen when a vehicle loses traction during a turn, causing it to slide sideways. The pattern is generally curved and indicates a loss of control while navigating a curve or turning sharply. Acceleration skids arise when a vehicle accelerates during a skid, leading to a different pattern than straight braking or yawing. However, these patterns still correspond to legitimate actions during vehicular movement. In contrast, a hovering skid pattern does not represent any recognized vehicle maneuver or loss of traction. Such a pattern implies that the vehicle is neither fully engaging with the road surface nor losing control in a traditional sense, thus rendering it an impractical and non-existent skid scenario at a crash site.