Black and white are two of the most common colors for cars in the United States. But that does not mean that they have equal accident risks. What some research indicates is that white cars are actually 12% less likely to be involved in a crash.
But why would the car’s color even make a difference at all? The reason is visibility. Many accidents happen because one driver simply does not see the other and inadvertently cuts them off or drives into their vehicle.
For instance, a driver who is pulling out of their driveway looks both ways and is supposed to yield the right of way to through traffic, but they fail to do so. They cut off an oncoming car that they never saw, leading to a serious T-bone accident at high speed.
This happens more often with darker-colored vehicles simply because they blend into the roadway and they’re less likely to catch the driver’s eye, especially if the driver is just quickly glancing at the road. A bright vehicle, such as a white car, stands out more, so the odds are lower that the other driver will cut them off.
This also applies to motorcycles
Motorcyclists should also keep visibility in mind, especially because their vehicles are very small, which already makes them harder for drivers to pick out. If a motorcyclist is wearing a black leather jacket while riding on a black motorcycle, the odds that they’ll be involved in an accident are much higher than if they wear bright-colored clothing, if they have a bike with a bright paint scheme and even if they have reflective material on their helmet, their coat or the bike itself.
Seeking financial compensation
It’s important to understand the link between visibility and car accidents, but nothing can fully prevent a crash from taking place. Those who have been injured must be aware of their options to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.
