Car Color and Crash Risk

red car Buying a car can be very exciting. We search for cars with the best safety features and rating. We want to make sure that we’re safe if we are in an accident. However, we give very little thought to color when considering the safety of a vehicle.

We often choose the color of a car based on personal preference or looks. However, studies have found that the color of a car may actually be correlated to safety.

That’s right: certain color cars are more likely to be in car accidents than others.

What is the most dangerous car color?

As it turns out, black is the most dangerous car color with grey/silver a close second.

What is the safest car color?

According to our research, yellow is the safest car color with white coming in a close second.

What Car Colors Have the Most Accidents?

Black Cars

Some research has revealed that black vehicles are the most dangerous on the road. At least one study found that you’re 47 percent more likely to be in a crash if you drive a black vehicle. Other studies also find that black is the most dangerous color, but offer a more reserved projection. Those studies find that driving a black car increases the risk of a crash by anywhere between 10 and 20 percent.

Why are black cars most likely to be involved in an accident? Visibility seems to be the driving factor. Black cars can be difficult to see, especially at night. Black cars also tend to blend into the surroundings, making it difficult for other drivers to see the dark vehicle.

Grey and Silver Cars

Grey and silver cars are also correlated with an increased likelihood of being involved in an accident. Grey cars are associated with an 11 percent higher risk than the safest car. Silver cars are associated with a 10 percent higher risk than the safest car. Again, the reason for the correlation between color and crash risk is visibility. Grey and silver cars can be difficult to see.

However, at least one study did find that while silver cars may be safer than we once thought. Research found that silver cars were 50 percent less likely to be involved in a serious accident than the safest color car on the road.

Blue Cars

Blue is one of the two most popular color choices for cars in America. While blue cars tend to be involved in accidents less than black cars, there is still an increased risk. When compared to the safest color car on the road, blue cars have a 7 percent higher risk of being involved in an accident.

Vehicles painted in darker shades of blue tend to be involved in more crashes than those in lighter shades. Why are blue vehicles likely to be involved in an accident? A lot of our surroundings, including the daytime sky, are blue. As a result, blue cars can be hard to distinguish.

Red Cars

Since visibility seems to be the driving factor when discussing car color and accident risk, you may think that red is a safe choice. While red does tend to be associated with less of a risk of accidents than black, grey, and silver cars, red cars have more accidents than many other colors. When compared with the safest color on the road, red cars have a 7 percent higher risk of an accident.

Red is such a bold, vibrant color. How can these cars be correlated with an increased risk of accidents? While red is bright, the color is also everywhere on our roads. Traffic lights, brake lights, sirens, and even road signs can all be red. Drivers may have a more difficult time distinguishing red vehicles from the backdrop.

Green Cars

Green cars are perhaps the safest of the “most dangerous” colors on the road. There is not a significant increase in the risk of an accident when you drive a green car. However, more green cars tend to be involved in accidents than the safest color on the road.

Again, it comes down to visibility. Green is also a prevalent color in our world. When you’re out driving, green cars may blend in with grass, road signs, hills, covered bus stops, and even fences. A lot of buildings are also painted a dark green color. As a result, green cars can get lost in the shuffle.

Car Colors to Avoid For Safety Reasons

If you’re primary concern is minimizing the risk of a car accident based on color, then you should avoid the following car colors:

Black,
Grey,
Blue,
Red, and
Green.

What Car Color has the Least Accidents?

Studies have revealed that the following color vehicles are associated with the lowest risk of an accident.

White

We’ve referenced the safest color car on the road. That color is white. White cars are 12 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than black cars at any time of the day under any conditions. This is because there is often a lot of contrast between white cars and its surroundings. As a result, white cars are easy to see.

Yellow

At least one study found that yellow, and not white, cars are the safest on the road. Why? Yellow is the brightest color and stands out in any conditions. There’s a reason that most cabs are painted yellow or another vibrant color. It makes those vehicles incredibly easy to spot on a busy road.

Orange

Orange is also correlated with a lower risk of accidents than other vehicles. The reason? Like white and yellow cars, orange is easy to see. Few surroundings on the road are orange, which helps these vehicles to stand out.

Gold

There aren’t too many gold cars out on the road. However, gold cars fall into the same category as white, yellow, and orange. These vehicles tend to be highly visible and can be easily distinguished from the backdrop on a road. High visibility makes these vehicles a safer choice.

Color Is Only Part of the Equation

Can the color of your car potentially increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident? Research seems to support this. However, the color of your car is only part of the equation. These studies have also emphasized that other factors are just as important.

Factors that can increase the risk of an accident include:

Distracted Driving: Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers aren’t paying attention to the road. In fact, distracted driving results in 9 deaths and 1,000 car accident-related injuries every day.
DUI: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of an accident significantly.
Road Conditions: Unsafe road conditions often contribute to car accidents in Los Angeles. Drivers may not notice the conditions or attempt to swerve to avoid them. In either case, accidents can happen.
Weather Conditions: As research has shown, visibility is an important factor in determining whether or not a certain color car is more likely to be involved in an accident. When weather conditions are poor (e.g., cloudy, rainy, foggy), visibility decreases. The chances of being involved in an accident when weather conditions are poor are very high.
Aggressive Driving: Drivers in Los Angeles are always in a hurry. Aggressive driving, including speeding and trying to beat a yellow light at an intersection, are leading causes of car accidents.

If you’ve been involved in a Los Angeles car accident it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you can. At Citywide Law Group, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you assert your rights after a crash. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and determine every possible cause. We’ll identify who is to blame and demand that they compensate you for your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.