Detective Cruz arrived at the scene of an apparent hit-and-run on a dark country road. The victim lay on the gravel shoulder. The driver claimed he swerved to avoid a deer, braked hard, and skid into the ditch. Cruz looked at the skid marks on the road and noticed they started *after* the victim's body. Cruz arrested the driver for premeditated murder. Why?
If he braked to avoid hitting the victim, the skid marks would lead up to the body, not start after it.
Skid marks represent braking action. If the driver braked to avoid a sudden obstacle or person, the tire marks must lead up to the point of impact. Skid marks starting past the body prove the car accelerated or rolled over the victim before braking elsewhere.
About this riddle
Detective riddles are tiny mysteries. Look for the detail in the story that does not fit; it is usually the clue that solves the case.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
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