Can My Car Color Influence Crash Risk?

Posted on

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers weigh in on automobile color and car crash risk. The vehicles we choose can send a message about our personalities and lifestyles, but did you know that the color of the car you drive can influence your likelihood of getting into a car accident? When we think of vehicle-safety features, seat belts, airbags, and antilock-braking systems come to mind, but who thinks about the car’s color as being a factor that affects safety? A recent study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found that certain colors are more involved in car crashes. The following are the car colors and their safety results:

White: The study indicated that the safest car color to choose was white. Cream and beige were also among the colors listed with the fewest incidents of road collisions.

Black: According to the study, the most dangerous car color is black. Driving a black car was linked to an increased crash risk of 12 percent. Though black may be more difficult to see at night, the statistics take into account crashes at all times of day. However, the study does indicate that the color-risk theory was better supported when considering daytime crashes.

Silver or Gray: Silver was the second worst car color for road safety. Silver has been the most popular color in recent years. Silver cars had a 10 percent higher crash risk than white cars. Similarly, gray cars were listed as having an 11 percent higher risk than white cars. While the increased crash risk was associated with silver cars, the metallic shade accounted for the fewest serious crashes.

Red or Blue: Red and blue were also on the risky list. Blue, the second most popular car color on the road today, was associated with a risk increase of seven percent over the safest color. Darker blues were more dangerous than lighter blues. Visibility seems to be a very logical reason as to why car color makes any difference in accident frequency. Yet, like blue, red cars also had a seven percent higher risk over white cars. This was an interesting find because blue tends to blend in with its surroundings, while red usually stands out.

Green, Yellow, Orange, or Gold: Green was not associated with any increased risk over white cars. Yet, aside from white cars, the safest cars on the road were yellow. This bright hue was uncommon enough to sand out and be noticed. Likewise, other bright colors that were noticeable enough to be considered safe were orange and gold.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Car Accident Victims

If you were injured in a car accident, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. We will hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries, so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or fill out an online contact form to set up a free consultation.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.