Does a Certain Color of Car Get Into More Accidents?

 Posted on August 16, 2019 in Car Accidents

In 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a total of 17,250 car accidents occurred daily. Many factors go into determining why car accidents happen, and most have to do with the driver. However, studies have shown that cars with specific features are more likely to get into an accident. These aspects include factors like make and model, the year the vehicle was manufactured, and the types of the car itself. A factor that surprised researchers was the color of a car could increase the chances of the driver being in an accident.

Not the Color You Would Imagine

The common perception among the public is that red, fast, and sports-like cars are more likely to be involved in an accident. This is due to the stereotypes that owners of red cars want to be noticed, are more adventurous, and thus are higher risk-takers. But a 20-year study in 2013 found black cars are 47 percent more likely to be in accidents. Why? The first reason is the most obvious. Black cars are a preferred color among car buyers. This can be due to the mystique or sense of mystery that the color black can hold for some people. It is the common color chosen by celebrities because it represents a high social status or is also considered a “rebellious” color. 

The second reason black cars are involved in more accidents is that black is a low-visibility color. Other drivers on the road are far more likely to notice a bright red or yellow car and be cautious of it. The color black can fade in with the background, particularly regarding another driver’s peripheral vision.

Time of Day Crashes Are Likely to Occur

The color black is sometimes hard to notice, and the darker it gets outside, the harder it is to see. Crashes involving black cars are most likely to occur during the twilight hours. That brief period between day and night when the fading light muddles headlights. However, black cars are also 12 percent more likely to be in car accidents during the day than white cars.

While studies correlating the relationship between colors and the likelihood of an accident can vary, the majority of them agree that black cars do get into more accidents. When purchasing your next vehicle, this is a factor you should take into consideration.

Contact a Wexford, PA Car Accident Attorney

The color of your car may be a predictor of your chances of being involved in an accident with another vehicle. Regardless, auto crashes can result in significant damage to the driver, passengers, as well as other cars involved. If you or a loved has been hurt in a car accident, then you need to contact the caring Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers at Colianni & Colianni, LLC. Our skilled legal team can advise you on the best course of action for seeking compensation. For a free consultation, contact our offices today at 412-942-0007.

Sources: 

https://amaresq.com/blog/auto-accidents/how-many-car-accidents-per-day/

https://directautoinsurance.org/car-insurance-myths/what-color-cars-get-in-the-most-accidents-might-surprise-you/

https://www.reference.com/vehicles/color-car-accidents-35bc1c8e7f375cd6 

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/articles/car-crash-by-colour/