People frequently share urban legends as though they are scientific facts. Many of these urban legends relate to vehicles and how people behave in traffic. For example, people have long claimed that red cars cause more crashes than any other color of vehicle and that the people who drive them receive more traffic tickets. Some people even claim that those who drive red cars tend to pay more for insurance because of the increased collision risk and the possibility of thieves targeting the vehicle.
Despite people constantly sharing the claim that red cars are more dangerous, it remains an unsubstantiated myth without a basis in reality.
Researchers haven’t correlated vehicle color to risk
There are many different unique factors that contribute to overall collision risk. Speed, road conditions, vehicle maintenance and personal habits are all important factors. Vehicle color does not play any role in crash likelihood.
Researchers have never been able to verify the claim that red cars cause more crashes or that their drivers receive more tickets. If anything, red cars might actually be slightly safer in traffic. Red is an attention-grabbing color. People may be more likely to notice a red car than many other vehicles. Having the attention of others nearby is beneficial, as drivers are less likely to cut a motorist off or ignore them in traffic after mentally acknowledging the other vehicle.
Some people who enjoy sports cars in particular might drive unsafely in a red vehicle, but many sports cars are bright green or yellow as well. The inclinations of the driver and the condition of the vehicle have much more to do with crash risk than the color of the exterior.
That being said, myths can cause real-world consequences for people. Drivers who get into crashes while in red cars might face more scrutiny from law enforcement professionals and may have more of a hurdle to overcome if they need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Learning more about what factors contribute to car crash risk can help people prioritize their safety in traffic and make the right decisions when purchasing new vehicles. The color of a vehicle has little to no impact on the likelihood or severity of a car wreck.