Is the following statement true or false: A photo of tire marks is critical because tire marks are vulnerable evidence?

• A. False
• B. Not sure
• C. True
• D. Depends

Answer: (C)

Documenting tire marks with photographs is essential because this type of evidence can change or vanish very quickly. Tire marks may be altered by weather, traffic, cleaning, or even subsequent vehicles driving over the area, which can blur tread patterns, depths, or the exact location of the mark. A photo provides a precise, objective record of the scene as it appeared at the time of discovery, capturing the tread pattern, direction, width, and the relationship of the marks to surrounding features. This preserved image becomes a reliable reference for later analysis and for presenting the evidence in court.

While photos are critical, they are typically part of a broader collection approach that may include measurements, casts, or lifts to study the mark in more detail. But without good photographic documentation, the transient nature of tire marks can prevent accurate analysis later.