A gouge mark at a crash scene is typically caused by what contact?

• A. Road paint wearing off
• B. Vehicle undercarriage contacting the roadway
• C. Tire treads leaving marks
• D. Debris from the roadway

Answer: (B)

Gouge marks at a crash scene come from the vehicle’s undercarriage scraping along the roadway. When the bottom of the car—frame, exhaust, or other components—drags on the asphalt during a skid or impact, metal grinds into the surface, creating a distinct, shallow groove. This is different from tire marks, which are made by rubber from the tires and show tread patterns or skid characteristics; road paint wear would simply transfer or rub away paint, not produce a deep groove; debris can scratch but usually appears irregular and not as cleanly continuous as an undercarriage gouge. Noting an undercarriage gouge helps reconstruct the crash path and indicates that the vehicle’s bottom contacted the road during the event.