Can the Color of Your Car Increase the Chances of an Accident

When we shop for a new car, we usually obsess over the model, engine specs, safety ratings, and even what kind of tech it comes with. But we almost never give much thought to the color. We usually go with whatever looks cool or feels “us.”

Black looks classy, red feels bold, and silver seems modern. But the color of your car might actually influence how likely you are to get into an accident.

It sounds odd at first, right? How could something as simple as color affect something as serious as road safety? But studies have looked into this, and there’s growing research that points to a strong connection between car color and accidents, and it all comes down to the issue of visibility.

Why Are Some Car Colors Riskier Than Others?

The basic idea is simple: the easier a car is to see, the safer it is. And that’s exactly where darker colors start to pose a problem.

Take black cars, for example. Statistically, they’re at the top of the danger list. Some studies found that black cars are involved in up to 47% more crashes compared to safer colors.

Black cars are harder to spot, especially at night. But even during the day, they can blend into darker road surfaces and urban environments. The contrast just isn’t strong enough, which means other drivers may not see them clearly in time to avoid a collision.

Other dark shades like grey, silver, dark blue, and even dark green can make your vehicle harder to spot, especially in bad weather.

Grey cars are often hard to see in cloudy conditions. Silver ones can disappear against metallic or reflective buildings in city settings. Even blue cars, especially darker shades, can blend into the sky or shadowy surroundings. All these colors tend to lower a car’s visibility on the road, and that naturally increases the risk of a crash.

So What’s the Safest Car Color?

If you’re thinking of going for a safer color, then light and bright colors are the way to go. White cars are statistically among the safest, and for good reason.

White creates a strong contrast against black asphalt and most urban and natural surroundings. That makes these vehicles much easier to spot, no matter the lighting or weather conditions.

Yellow cars are also high on the safety list; in fact, some studies suggest yellow might be even safer than white. Yellow stands out in just about any environment, and it’s so bright that it grabs attention immediately. That’s why taxis and school buses are often painted yellow. Orange is another good choice. You don’t see much orange in nature or on the road, so an orange car won’t blend into the background.

Even gold cars, though rare, are considered relatively safe. Like white and yellow, gold tends to stand out against the road and the surrounding environment, which improves visibility and lowers the risk of an accident.

Can Color Affect How You Drive?

Now here’s where things get even more interesting. Beyond visibility, there’s also some evidence that color might influence how we behave behind the wheel.

Ever heard people say red cars get pulled over more often for speeding? Well, that’s not just an old rumor. While red cars aren’t the most dangerous in terms of accident rates, they’re still associated with a 7% higher crash risk compared to the safest color. Red is everywhere on the road (brake lights, stop signs, traffic signals), and that can make red cars harder to distinguish in motion.

But there’s also a psychological element at play. Color theory tells us that red is tied to feelings of power, excitement, and even aggression. Studies suggest drivers who prefer red, particularly men, may be more likely to drive aggressively.

Higher testosterone levels may also be a factor, as they’re linked to more dominant or risk-taking behavior. It’s not that red cars magically make people drive badly; it’s that the kind of person who chooses a red car might already be more prone to those habits.

On the flip side, cooler colors like blue are linked to calmer moods and more relaxed driving. But again, darker blue shades can still pose a visibility issue, especially in dim conditions. Even green cars, which tend to carry a lower crash risk, can get lost against grassy roadsides or heavily wooded areas.

Conclusion

Color isn’t the only factor here. How you drive, the time of day, weather conditions, road design, and how well your car is maintained all play a role in your overall safety.

A driver in a bright yellow car who’s texting or speeding is still at more risk than a careful driver in a black car. That said, choosing a high-visibility color can definitely stack the odds a little more in your favor.