Having a Black Car May Make Accidents More Likely
May 26, 2021
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No one wants to get in a car accident, but if you think driving safely is enough to fend off collisions, think again. Almost every collision has multiple contributing factors. One such factor is car color. A number of studies conducted worldwide have found significant correlations between certain car colors and increased risk of accidents. The most dangerous color is black: Scientists have placed the risk of accident at between 10-50% more likely for drivers of these cars.For owners of black cars, this statistic doesn’t mean you’re almost certainly going to get into a crash. It’s not a reason to go out and replace your vehicle. However, if you do drive a black car, you need to know where the increased risks are, so you can do your best to avoid them.

Why Black Cars Get in More Accidents

If you drive a black car, you’re more likely to get hit for one simple reason: It’s harder for other drivers to see you. This is true at night, especially if you forget to turn your lights on, but it’s also true during the day. A dark car contrasts less with the road. You also blend in more to roadside environments ranging from cities to dark forests.

Unless you plan to re-paint or replace your car, there’s not much you can do to address the direct cause here. However, it’s a good reminder to always drive defensively. Especially if you’re traveling at night, in inclement weather, or in another condition that impairs visibility, others may not see you as quickly as they spot your brighter-colored peers.

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How Do Other Colors Stack Up?

Many studies of car color and accident risk have identified white as the “safest” color of vehicle to own. This makes sense—white has the highest contrast levels compared to dark roads. Other studies have put yellow in the top spot; while the contrast might not be as great as a white car, yellow is an eye-catching color that does not blend into most environments.

While not as visible as white or yellow cars, cream, beige, and gold vehicles also tend to stand out.

Conversely, darker vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents. A 2010 study found that the following cars were more likely to be involved in collisions (in order from highest to lowest risk):

  • Grey
  • Silver
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Green

In 2019, the most popular car colors in America were white, black, grey, silver, and blue. Even if you have a car with lower levels of contrast, you are not alone.

Does This Data Have Legal Significance?

Your car’s color cannot be used against you in a legal context. “I didn’t see them because their car was black” is not a defense; it’s an admission of guilt. So, you don’t need to be worried your vehicle’s paint job can be used to deny you your rightful compensation. Likewise, car color does not affect your initial auto insurance quote (though getting in an accident might make your premiums increase). The most important reason to know about the links between car color and accident risk is the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

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We Can Answer Your Car Accident Questions

Being involved in an accident is scary and, if you didn’t cause the crash, it’s important to protect your right to compensation. The best way to do this is by calling an auto accident lawyer as soon as you can.

Ashcraft & Gerel serves the victims of severe and catastrophic injuries. When a car accident changes your life, it’s especially important to have compensation for treatment, future care, and losses like missed work or a decreased earning capacity. Since our firm was founded in 1953, our lawyers have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. If you were seriously injured in a car accident caused by someone else, we may be able to help you, too.

Call Ashcraft & Gerel at (866) 709-0505 for a free and confidential consultation. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

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