Road safety experts at Road Angel have highlighted a concerning trend: drivers of red cars are statistically more likely to be involved in road accidents. Despite prioritizing safety features and vehicle ratings when purchasing a new car, drivers are advised to consider selecting a statistically safer color.
Research indicates that red vehicles are prone to accidents, with a staggering 60% of red car owners having reported being in collisions, making it the most hazardous color choice. The color red is often linked with danger, and it appears that men are 12% more inclined to choose red cars compared to women.
The high incidence of red in sports cars, known for their speed, further contributes to the increased risk associated with this color. Following red, brown cars are the second most dangerous, with 59% of their owners reporting accidents.
Black cars also present a serious risk, with 57% of drivers experiencing incidents. Black, the second most popular car color in the UK with over 324,000 vehicles sold in this shade, joins the top three risky colors. The primary factor for the increased accident rate in black and brown vehicles appears to be visibility.
Darker colors blend more into the environment, making these cars harder to see, particularly at night, which may lead to higher insurance premiums. Conversely, white cars are considered safer due to their high visibility, which makes them easier to spot on the road.
Gary Digva from Road Angel noted, “Several factors influence road accidents, including driving quality and vehicle condition. External factors such as weather, traffic, and visibility also play a role.
While red cars are statistically linked to more accidents, and white cars offer better visibility, drivers should remain vigilant and cautious regardless of their car’s color.
Distraction, inadequate attention, speeding, and reckless driving are the main causes of road accidents. However, considering car color could be a factor in minimizing risk when making your next vehicle purchase.”