Color plays a much bigger role in the way we drive than you might think. Consider bright red stop signs and stop lights, yellow hazard signs and lights and the green light which gives you the “go ahead.” Colors obviously direct the movements of our vehicles, but they can also impact the manner in which we drive, in more ways than you might expect. Since we primarily see the inside of our cars, most of us rarely consider how the outside color might possibly impact other drivers. Not only does the color of your car affect your overall visibility, the color may also impact your risk of being involved in an automobile collision. Could the Color of Your Car Cause an Accident?
Black and White Vehicles the Primary Colors Sold
In a world filled with color, it might surprise you to know that more black and white vehicles are sold than any other colors. Following white are black, silver, grey and red. White has been the number one car color in North America since 2006, and those who drive white vehicles are half as likely to be “passively” involved in an auto accident (struck by other drivers who committed a driving infraction). White is the most visible color at night, however those who live in areas where it snows may find their vehicle is less visible during the daylight hours.
Black Cars Are Not So Easy to See
Despite the fact that it is a popular automobile color, black cars and other shades of dark navy, dark brown or dark green can be difficult for others to distinguish, particularly during the evening hours. One New Zealand study found these darker vehicles were twice as likely as other vehicles to be involved in serious auto collisions. The vehicles least likely to be involved in collisions are the shimmery silver and gold colors except in desert climates where those colors may become nearly invisible in the harsh glare of the hot sun.
Most of us believe red vehicles would be the easiest to see, however optometrists maintain it is one of the most difficult colors for the human eye to distinguish as it is on the edge of the color spectrum. The most visible automobile colors are bright yellow and lime green, and most optometrists agree these colors should be used on emergency fire and rescue vehicles. An Australian study ranked colors according to risk of auto collision from highest to lowest in this order: black, blue, grey, green, red and silver. White consistently tested as the safest, even above bright yellow, orange and green, overall.
Further Reading: Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain
Does the Color of Your Vehicle Make Your Insurance Rates Go up?
Urban legend which says the color of your car can affect your insurance rates, the way you drive and even whether you will be pulled over and ticketed are largely just that-myths. Many still believe that because red cars are historically associated with sports cars, therefore speed and car collisions, insurers penalize everyone who drives a red vehicle. It is true that color has an effect on mood, behavior and health, and it is also true that certain car colors are more conspicuous than others.It is not true that your insurance company has any opinion whatsoever regarding the color of your car.
Insurance companies look at your driving history, your credit history, your history of accident claims, your age, your marital status, and the make, model and year of your car when determining your rates. It is also not true that police officers care one way or another what color car you are driving. If your speed registers as 89 on the officer's radar, and you are driving a sedate white minivan or ecological grey Prius, you stand the same risk of being pulled over as the a driver in a red sports car driving the same speed.
Contact Our Denver Car Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Denver, Aurora, Littleton, or anywhere in the State of Colorado, we can help. Our Denver car accident attorneys have the experience and the resources needed to take these cases to trial - if needed - and win!
