What Color Car Gets in the Most Accidents?
Safety features and ratings rank high on your priority list when purchasing or leasing a new car. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the vehicle's color. While it may seem minor, studies indicate that some car colors are associated with higher crash risks than others. What color car gets in the most accidents? This information could be worth considering the next time you're looking for a new family vehicle.
What's the Safest Color for a Car?
Opinions vary on which car color offers the highest safety. Some studies indicate that yellow is the safest choice, as it is bright, easily visible, and stands out in most environments. This visibility might explain why school buses are painted bright yellow.
Conversely, other research points to white cars as the safest option. Like yellow, white vehicles are also prominent, which may be why many emergency vehicles, like ambulances and police cars, are predominantly white.
What's the Most Hazardous Car Color?
Several studies have found that black is the most dangerous color for a car. Vehicles in this color are involved in a higher number of accidents compared to those of other colors. Researchers believe the heightened risk is likely attributed to the challenges in spotting black cars, especially in low-light situations.
Ranking Car Colors by Crash Risk
After analyzing hundreds of thousands of accidents over more than twenty years, researchers have found that a car's color can significantly impact the likelihood of collisions. Here's a breakdown of car colors ranked by their associated crash risk, starting with the most dangerous.
Black Cars
Black cars are considered the riskiest option. Research indicates that they are involved in accidents more frequently than vehicles of other colors. During the day, driving a black car increases crash risk by approximately 12 percent. At night, this risk jumps to about 47 percent. The difficulty in seeing black vehicles, especially in low light, is a significant factor in this increased risk. This may explain why many police departments opt for black patrol cars.
Grey Cars
While grey cars are standard, studies show they have an 11 percent higher risk of accidents. Their low visibility, particularly in rainy or cloudy conditions, makes them harder to spot on the road.
Silver Cars
Research on silver cars presents mixed conclusions. Some studies suggest that they carry a crash risk similar to grey vehicles, with about a 10 percent increase. However, other research indicates that silver cars might be safer, with one study finding them 50 percent less likely to be involved in accidents than yellow cars. The discrepancies in findings could be attributed to various factors, such as different shades of silver and the locations of accidents.
Blue Cars
Blue cars generally fall in the middle regarding crash risk. They have a 7 percent higher likelihood of accidents than the safest colors. The risk can vary based on the shade of blue; lighter shades may be more visible, while darker shades might blend into the background or sky.
Red Cars
Red cars have a reputation for being more noticeable, leading some to believe they attract police attention. However, studies reveal that white cars are stopped more frequently. Regarding crash risk, red vehicles also have a 7 percent higher likelihood of accidents than the safest options.
Green Cars
Green cars are relatively safe, presenting a minimal increase in crash risk. However, they are only one of the choices because they can sometimes blend into natural backgrounds, especially in rural areas with grass or trees.
Gold Cars
Though not commonly seen on the roads, gold cars could be a good choice for safety. Their distinctive color makes them highly visible to other drivers.
Orange Cars
Orange cars are also not very popular but are easily noticeable on the road, contributing to their status as one of the safer color options.
White Cars
White cars are trendy, making up around 20 percent of annual sales. Research indicates they tend to be involved in fewer accidents than other colors, reinforcing their appeal.
Yellow Cars
Consider a bright yellow car if you want a color that stands out while reducing accident risk. Some studies have found that yellow vehicles are associated with the lowest crash risk.
Other Factors That Affect Crash Risk
While the color of your car is an important consideration, it's only one aspect of overall safety. Choosing a black car doesn't guarantee you'll have an accident, just as opting for a white or yellow car doesn't ensure you'll avoid one. Several other factors can significantly influence your risk of getting into a collision, including:
Distracted Driving: Diverting your attention from the road is one of a driver's most dangerous actions. Distractions are involved in approximately 25 percent of all fatal car accidents, and for teen drivers, this figure rises to about 58 percent.
Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. No matter the color of your vehicle, being under the influence increases the risk significantly. In the United States, drunk driving is responsible for nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents each year.
Fatigued Driving: Research indicates that driving while drowsy can be as hazardous, if not more so, than driving under the influence.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors: Following traffic regulations and maintaining safe driving habits can significantly lower the chances of an accident. Unfortunately, many drivers engage in aggressive behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and making unsafe turns, contributing to many crashes annually.
External factors like adverse weather, traffic conditions, and road quality can also increase the likelihood of an accident.
Get Assistance from our Auto Accident Lawyer in Leesburg, VA
No matter how carefully you drive or how safe your car's color may be, there's always a possibility of being involved in an accident. If you find yourself in this situation and another party is at least partially responsible, you may be eligible for compensation. This financial assistance can help with various costs, such as medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. At Clinton O. Middleton, Personal Injury Lawyer in Leesburg, our team is committed to helping you seek the highest possible compensation. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and discover how we can support you.
