In crash investigations, tire shadows are described as what type of evidence?

• A. Temporary evidence.
• B. Permanent evidence.
• C. Exculpatory evidence.
• D. Circumstantial evidence.

Answer: (A)

Tire shadows are a form of physical evidence that shows where tires were in contact with or passing over the roadway at the moment of impact. They’re best described as temporary evidence because they can disappear or be altered quickly as conditions change: rain can wash away residues, traffic and vehicle movement can smear or erase the marks, and road maintenance or resurfacing can remove them entirely. Because of their fragile nature, investigators need to document them promptly with photos, measurements, and notes before they fade. This ephemeral character means they’re useful for scene interpretation only if captured early, rather than something that remains reliable long after the crash.