Red cars are often associated with high speeds, traffic stops, increased car insurance premiums, and danger. While you may be more likely to draw attention to yourself in a red sports car, are you actually at greater risk of crashing?
The color of your car can impact your risk of crashing. Some car colors are more likely to be involved in accidents than others. However, the common assumption that red cars are the most likely to crash is false.
If you are in a car accident, consider contacting a car accident lawyer to review your legal options. Learn more here.
Which Car Colors Are the Safest?
While silver is often the most popular vehicle color when consumers are car shopping, it is not the safest. White cars are the least likely to be involved in a car accident. Cream, yellow, and beige vehicles also have a much lower crash risk than black cars.
Driving a pearl white minivan does not guarantee that you will avoid all car accidents. However, you will likely have a decreased risk of colliding with another vehicle when compared to black cars.
Which Car Colors Are the Most Dangerous?
Black cars were found to have the highest risk of crashing when compared with white cars. White vehicles are 12 percent less likely to get into an accident than black cars.
Gray cars also pose a significant risk as they have an 11 percent higher risk of being in an accident than white cars. The frequently purchased silver vehicles have a 10 percent higher crash risk than white cars.
Despite their reputation as the most dangerous, red cars are tied with blue cars at a 7 percent higher risk of being in an accident than white cars.
How Does Car Color Affect Crash Risk?
Some cars are easier to see than others, particularly when coupled with low visibility. If you’re driving during a foggy night, it may be easier to spot a lime green car approaching an intersection than a navy blue car.
You can’t avoid a crash if you never see it coming. If you can more easily notice a vehicle, you may be able to brake quickly and avoid colliding with it.
Things to Keep in Mind When Picking a Car Color
While you are less likely to crash into a pink pickup truck than a graphite SUV, other drivers are also less likely to hit you in a brightly colored car. It is essential to be mindful of car color the next time you are shopping for a new vehicle.
The matte black sedan might catch your eye immediately, but it may not be the safest choice. Purchasing an ivory crossover can help you decrease your crash risk and stay safer on the road.
How to Decrease Your Crash Risk Regardless of Car Color
The lighter the car, the safer you will likely be from collisions. However, even if you have your heart set on a satin black performance vehicle, you may still be able to decrease your crash risk.
The following are steps to take to decrease your crash risk and prevent injuries:
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
- Avoid distractions, including texting and eating while driving
- Drive at a safe speed for the road and weather conditions
- Obey traffic signals and laws
- Avoid driving if you are tired
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not make aggressive maneuvers
- Pass other vehicles with caution
- Pay attention to headlights and taillights
- Be mindful of your surroundings
While you may be able to mitigate your crash risk, some accidents are impossible to avoid. After seeking medical assistance, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
