When it comes to road safety, drivers often focus on factors like speed, weather and road conditions. However, one surprising detail can also influence crash risk: the color of the vehicle. While car color may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, research has shown that certain colors are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than others.
The most consistent finding across multiple studies is that darker-colored cars are at greater risk of being involved in crashes, particularly in low-light conditions. Black cars, in particular, have the highest crash rates in many analyses, followed closely by gray, dark blue and dark green vehicles. These colors tend to blend into the road and background, especially at night, dusk or during inclement weather, making them harder for other drivers to see.
On the other hand, lighter and more vibrant colors—such as white, yellow, orange and gold—are easier to spot. White cars are among the safest in terms of visibility, especially during daylight hours. Yellow and other bright colors stand out in nearly all lighting conditions, which may contribute to their lower involvement in collisions.
Additional considerations
While car color does influence visibility, it’s important to note that it is just one factor among many that affect crash risk. Driver behavior, road conditions, vehicle maintenance and traffic patterns are more direct causes of most accidents. Still, color can make a difference in marginal situations where a split-second reaction is needed to avoid a collision.
It’s also worth noting that insurance companies typically do not factor in car color when determining rates—because it is not considered a strong enough predictor of individual risk. Nonetheless, for drivers concerned with maximizing safety, choosing a vehicle color that improves visibility can be a simple step in the right direction.
