Most drivers choose the color of their car based on personal taste, style and/or availability. But what many don’t realize is that car color can influence safety on the road. While color doesn’t determine driving behavior, it does affect visibility—and visibility plays a key role in preventing collisions.
Studies have shown that certain car colors are more likely to be involved in accidents than others. For example, black cars consistently rank at the top of collision risk statistics. This is largely because dark-colored vehicles are harder to see, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Gray, silver and dark blue vehicles follow closely for similar reasons—they blend into the road and surroundings, reducing contrast and reaction time for other drivers.
On the other hand, white and brightly colored vehicles—such as yellow, red and orange—tend to be more visible and therefore slightly less likely to be involved in crashes. These colors stand out against most environments, increasing the chances that other drivers will notice them in time to avoid a collision. While no color is immune to accidents, visibility can be a contributing factor that helps reduce risk.
After a crash occurs
Car color can also come into play during a personal injury claim. In some cases, the color of a vehicle may be considered when determining how easily a driver could have seen the car they struck—or whether poor visibility played a role in a crash. While color alone won’t determine liability, it may be relevant in conjunction with factors like lighting, weather and driver behavior.
If you’ve been injured in a crash and visibility is a factor, it’s important to document lighting conditions, vehicle colors and road surroundings as part of your claim.
While car color may seem like a minor detail, it can have real-world implications for safety and accident risk. The next time you’re choosing a vehicle—or evaluating a crash—don’t overlook the ways in which color might matter.