You probably pick a car color based on aesthetics. However, did you know that vehicle colors may increase the chances of a dangerous collision? Research shows that black is one of the most hazardous car colors and that black cars are more likely to be involved in car accidents.
Car color can impact more than just your car’s resale value. At Marks & Harrison, we want to help you understand how the color of your vehicle may affect your chances of being involved in a crash.
Why Are Black Cars More Likely to Be in a Collision?
Studies show that black cars are more likely to be involved in collisions. Black vehicles have a 12 percent higher crash risk than white cars. While black looks sleek and goes with everything, it can be a dangerous color because it is harder to see – especially at night. Yet, according to Kelly Blue Book, black is still one of the most popular color choices for convertibles, coupes, and luxury automobiles.
What makes black cars more dangerous than other colored vehicles? It comes down to visibility. Dark-colored cars are harder to see, making them more likely to be involved in significant accidents. While dark-colored vehicles are tough to see at night, they can also be more challenging to spot during daylight hours because there is less contrast between the dark vehicle and the dark color of the roadway. Contact our Washington DC car accident attorney today.
Which Other Car Colors Are More Likely to Be Involved in a Crash?
Black isn’t the only color on the road that makes a car more likely to be in a collision. Any darker-colored vehicle can increase a person’s chances of a car accident. Dark blue, gray, and silver cars also have an elevated risk of being involved in a collision. Gray and silver cars are challenging to see in bad weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog. Silver can also blend seamlessly into urban landscapes where metal and reflective surfaces are more likely to be used in construction and skyscrapers, making them harder to spot.
What Car Colors Are Least Likely to Be in a Car Accident?
If you are looking for “safe” car colors, the brighter the better. White cars are one of the safest car color options today. According to studies, cream, beige, and yellow cars are not far behind. These colors are easier to see. White stands out from black-colored asphalt used to pave U.S. roadways. The high contrast makes these vehicles easy to spot regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Although not the most popular car color, gold is also a reasonably safe choice regarding car accident risk.
Can the Color of a Car Influence the Driver’s Behavior?
Color has always played an essential role in eliciting human emotions and psychological responses. Color theory is why fast-food restaurants looking to increase your appetite and get you in and out quickly pick reds, yellows, and oranges for their businesses. Spas wanting to create a relaxing environment decorate in blues and greens instead to enhance calm and serenity.
Have you ever heard that red cars tend to get ticketed more often for speeding than cars of other colors? In some Western cultures, red is considered a bold and powerful color perfect for sports and muscle cars. It boosts feelings of arousal and aggression, which is why many people believe that those who drive red cars are more prone to speeding and potentially reckless driving behaviors. There may be some psychological science to explain how car color influences a driver’s behavior. Research indicates that drivers who prefer cars with warm and bright colors like red are more likely to speed and run red lights. On the other hand, drivers who prefer cool colors like blue are calmer and less aggressive behind the wheel.
Men, in particular, seem more prone to risky behaviors while driving red vehicles. Red cars may also be linked to stronger levels of aggression in men, and men who prefer red may have higher testosterone levels. High testosterone levels influence characteristics like aggression and dominance. Although red cars are statistically in fewer accidents than black cars, studies show that those driving red vehicles elicited more aggressive driving responses from other drivers. People honk sooner and more frequently at those in red cars than other colored vehicles.
What Other Factors Can Increase the Chances of a Car Accident?
Car color isn’t the only thing that can increase someone’s chances of being involved in a significant car accident. Driver error is still the leading cause of most car wrecks in the United States today. Factors that increase a driver’s chances of a collision can include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while impaired
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Failure to obey traffic laws
Beyond the factory-painted color of your car, mechanical defects can also increase the chances of a crash.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
A car color increasing your odds of being involved in an accident is probably not the first thing you think of when you get ready to drive a car off the lot. However, it is important to consider how car color impacts accident statistics and driving behaviors. At Marks & Harrison, no matter the color of your car, we are here to fight for you and pursue the compensation you need when a careless driver causes an accident that injures you. Get in touch with our Washington DC personal injury attorney now.
Contact our office today for a free case evaluation. We take the time to sit down with you and review your case before outlining your options for pursuing compensation for your financial losses.
