Does car color impact your chances of a vehicle accident?

There are many factors that can contribute to California car accidents, from speeding to distracted driving to unsafe weather conditions. When you think about purchasing a new car, you might consider safety features and crash test performance. However, some research indicates that unlikely factors, such as the color of your car, could affect your likelihood of being in a motor vehicle collision.

Some car colors may be safer

According to research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre, white is the second most popular car color. However, it is the safest car color of all, followed by similar colors like cream, yellow and beige cars. In some studies, yellow cars were the safest of all. The difference can be stunning; white cars are 12% less likely to have a car crash than black cars. While black cars have the worst safety record, gray, silver, blue and red cars also rank well above light-colored vehicles.

Why would car color affect safety?

In many cases, the answer is self-evident: lighter cars are easier to see, especially at night or during inclement weather. Black cars are more likely to blend into the background, while white cars stand out even in dark environments. They also have greater contrast with the road itself, typically composed of black asphalt or tar. It is not clear why bright colors rank in the middle of the pack for car accident risk, although visibility, contrast and other factors that determine color choice are likely factors.

You may consider this information when buying a car, because the effect of a car accident can be significant. Accident victims may experience long-term pain and costly medical bills as well as time away from the job. If you have suffered damages due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligent driving, a personal injury attorney may help you to pursue compensation.