Which of the following is NOT a major type of tire scuff mark?

Vertical scuffs are not recognized as a major type of tire scuff mark, which is why this choice stands out. In the context of tire scuff marks, the major types typically include those associated with specific driving behaviors or conditions that cause specific patterns in the tire's tread.

Accelerating scuffs occur when a vehicle accelerates while turning, leading to a specific kind of wear on the outer edge of the tire. Combination scuffs arise from a combination of acceleration and turning, resulting in marks that showcase both behaviors. Flat tire scuffs are caused by a tire running under-inflated, which leads to a distinct pattern of wear.

The absence of vertical scuffs as a recognized category indicates that tire scuff marks are generally categorized by the dynamic forces acting on the tire rather than by their orientation or pattern alone. Thus, understanding the types of scuffs prevalent in tire analysis can help in accident investigations and determining the dynamics of a vehicle's movement prior to a collision.