How Car Colors Relate to Driving Accidents

Purchasing a new car is an exciting time.

23:56 08 June 2019

While we all search for the most attractive cars that have all the features we want, it is also important to thoroughly assess if the car will be safe enough on the road. While looking at safety statistics for a specific make and model will help determine how safe a particular car will be, one thing that does affect the safety of a vehicle and its driver is the color. The truth is that certain color cars do get into more accidents.

 

While the statistic that car color affects a driver’s likelihood of getting into an accident may be hard to believe, it’s true. Read on to learn how each color affects the likelihood that a driver will get into an accident.

Black Cars

Certain studies have revealed black vehicles to be the most dangerous cars on the road. One study shows that a black car is 47% more likely to get into a car crash. Other studies have discovered that individuals driving black cars increase their risk of crashing by 10% - 20%.

The main issue with black cars is visible as the color black fades into the background too easy. While visibility might not be that big of an issue for vigilant drivers, the truth is that many people behind the wheel are negligent. this article from PreszlerLawNS.com shares that many accidents are caused by common forms of driving negligence like distracted driving, fatigue, failure to follow traffic signals, and similar behavior. Though this negligent behavior isn't directly affected by the color of a car, drivers that are already distracted are much less likely to pay attention to black cars and vehicles of similar colors.

Silver and Gray Car

Silver and gray cars also have an increased likelihood when it comes to accidents. Silver cars have a 10% increased risk of being involved in an accident while gray cars have an 11% increased risk. The main association of car color and crashing is the visibility of the car. Just as black cars can be harder to see, silver and gray cars are almost as dark which makes visibility a challenge.

Blue Cars

Blue is a popular color choice and is significantly safer than other options. Compared to safer car colors, blue cars see a 7% higher risk when it comes to accidents. Additionally, while blue is a safer color, darker shades of this color are much more likely to get into car accidents. Despite the statistics of blue cars being safer, the visibility of this color is impacted by the fact that most of our surrounding is blue. For distracted drivers, blue can still be difficult to distinguish.

Red Cars

If visibility is the defining factor in these statistics, red cars should, in theory, be the safest cars on the road. However, the reality is that red cars tend to have a 7% increased risk of accidents. While red is easily distinguished on the road, it is such a vibrant color that it's also in a majority of our surroundings. Everything from traffic lights, sirens and road signs are red. Drivers that see red cars may just see a blur of lighter rather than an easily distinguishable car on the road.

Green Cars

According to statistics, green cars tend to be safer on the road than the most dangerous cars. Green cars have a reduced risk of being involved in accidents, but the visibility of this color is affected by the prevalence of green in our environment. From bus stops to hills to grass, green can easily become another blur in the backdrop of life.

Cars with Lower Accident Rates

White Cars

White cars are the safest. These cars are 12% less likely to become involved in a car crash. White cars are highly visible as they immediately stand out from their surroundings, making them the easiest of all colors to see.

Yellow Cars

As yellow is another high-contrast color, it easily stands out on the road. This bright color is also regarded as one of the safest colors on the road as yellow cars are easy to spot when driving.

Orange Cars

Orange is another color that correlates to a lower risk of car crashes. Like yellow and white cars, orange stands out and is almost impossible to miss.

Gold Cars

Gold cars are relatively rare, but they tend to be as safe as white, orange, yellow, and the like. This color is equally as visible as the other lighter car, making it another safe choice.

Color is just part of the equation

 

While research does support the assertion that car color does affect the likelihood of one getting into a car crash, it is only one factor in the equation. Studies also point out other factors involved in car crashes. These factors include distracted driving, driving under the influence, road conditions, weather conditions, and aggressive driving.

 

In some instances, car accidents are unavoidable. However, realizing the color of a car’s effect on your likelihood to get into an accident can help to reduce your risk of getting into a car crash. Keep this information in mind as you work to stay safe on the road.