Link Between Color and Car Accidents

Is There a Link Between Car Color and Accidents?

When we think of car accidents, we usually consider factors like speeding, distracted driving, or weather conditions. But have you ever thought about how the color of your car might play a role in an accident? Recent data suggests that vehicle color may have a surprising impact on crash rates, especially here in Florida, where visibility and weather conditions vary throughout the year. Dr. Deryk Harting, a patient favorite at one of the highest rated car accident medical care providers in Florida, Chambers Medical Group, discusses car color and car accidents.

Multiple studies have shown that darker-colored vehicles, particularly black, are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. Research indicates that black cars have up to a 12% higher crash risk during daylight hours and a 47% higher risk at night compared to white cars.

Visibility appears to be the cause of this. Dark-colored cars are harder to see, especially in low-light conditions or inclement weather. In contrast, cars painted white, yellow, or orange tend to stand out more clearly in traffic and are less likely to be involved in an accident. Lighter vehicles are easier for other drivers to notice, which can provide vital seconds to react and avoid a crash. This is one small, but potentially lifesaving, consideration when choosing your next vehicle.

In Florida, environmental factors further influence how vehicle color might affect the odds of an accident. Roughly 24% of car accidents in the state occur in low-light conditions, and about 25% happen during poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. Florida’s frequent rain showers, early winter sunsets, and long straight stretches of highway make visibility an important concern. A darker-colored car may be more difficult for other drivers to spot under these conditions, which could increase the chance of rear-end collisions or sideswipes.

While vehicle color can contribute to accident risk, it is important to understand that it is not the leading cause of car crashes. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, fatigue, road hazards or poor signage all have a much larger impact on accident rates than color alone. However, every bit helps when it comes to safety, and color is one factor that is easy to control. If you are shopping for a new car, choosing a lighter color may provide an advantage.

If you have recently been involved in an auto accident (regardless of cause) getting prompt care is essential. Even minor collisions can result in whiplash, headaches, spinal misalignments, soft tissue damage, and other injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Obtaining a thorough medical evaluation is crucial to diagnose any injuries before they worsen. Symptoms may take hours or even days to appear, but early intervention can prevent chronic pain and complications. Treatment can vary widely depending on the specific injury, but common treatment recommendations include medication, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy, spinal traction, and chiropractic care.

Chambers Medical Group is a full-service medical  group with a complete team of car accident doctors  and car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to therapy. Call us today if you have been recently injured in a car accident.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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