We all have our reasons for picking a car colour. Some people choose white because it lowers heat absorption. Others go for the luxurious vibes with a sleek black. But believe it or not, the colour you choose can also play a role in your safety on the road. While it’s not the only factor regarding crashes, research shows that visibility and car colour influence accident statistics. 

So, which colour cars have the most accidents, and what’s the safest shade to drive in South Africa? Let’s break it down. 

PS: No matter what colour car you drive. Drive it worry-free with our extended car warranty! Get a quote online today or contact us for more. 

 

Does Car Colour Affect Safety? 

The Link Between Colour and Visibility 

The more a car blends into its environment, the harder it is for other drivers to spot it in time. A grey car on a misty day in Cape Town or a black car cruising along a dimly lit Joburg highway at night. Your eyes need a fraction of a second longer to notice that car, and those fractions of seconds make all the difference on the road. 

Basically, if your car’s colour blends into the background or vanishes in low light, you may be at a higher risk of being hit, simply because someone didn’t see you in time. 

 

Car Colours to Think Twice About 

  • Black: Sleek, stylish, but near-invisible at night. Black cars are up to 47% more likely to be involved in crashes than other coloured vehicles. 
  • Grey/Silver: Blends into both tarred roads and rainy weather or cloudy skies 
  • Blue: Dark blue is tricky to see in low light, and other lighter blue shades tend to blend into the sky 
  • Red and Brown: These are difficult to distinguish as they are the same colour as road signs. 

That doesn’t mean you should cancel your order for that graphite-grey SUV. It just means you have to be more mindful of how you drive it. 

 

What Is the Safest Colour Car on the Road? 

Why White (and Similar Shades) Lead in Safety 

White consistently ranks as the safest car colour because it’s easy to spot in most environments. It reflects light well, pops against the tar, and remains visible during both day and night driving. 

Other Safe Colours and Their Visibility Benefits 

  • Yellow: Impossible to miss, even in bad weather. Hey, when was the last time you saw a yellow car? 
  • Orange: Similar visibility perks as yellow, with added personality. We may be biased here because orange is dotsure.co.za’s colour, of course! 
  • Gold/Beige: Not everyone’s cup of tea, but they stand out on the road. 

 

What Your Car Colour Says About You 

While we’re on the topic of car colours and what they say about our accident stats, what does your car colour say about you? This is just for fun. There is no need to turn green with envy or red with anger, okay? 

  • White: Clean, practical, maybe a little cautious. We’re also thinking mom vibes here, maybe? 
  • Black: Sophisticated, likes to be in control. Or really boujee. Or part of the Mafia? 
  • Silver/Grey: Modern, cool-headed, plays it safe (this is super ironic).  
  • Red: Confident, energetic, maybe a little fiery.  
  • Blue: Calm, trustworthy, dependable. Also, first car vibes. 
  • Yellow/Orange: Fun-loving, cheerful, and not afraid to stand out. Again, not sure when you last saw a yellow or orange car? Because their personalities are … the same. 

  

RELATED: WHICH CARS GET THE MOST SPEEDING FINES? 

 

Other Factors That Influence Car Safety 

Even the brightest yellow car isn’t invincible to road accidents. Colour is just one factor to consider. What matters more is how you drive and how visible you make yourself. 

Tips for Staying Visible on the Road 

  • Use daytime running lights (DRLs) or keep your headlights on during cloudy conditions. 
  • Add reflective strips if you drive a work vehicle at night. 
  • Keep your car clean. Dust, mud, and grime dull even the brightest colours. 
  • Drive smartly: Your car colour won’t save you if you’re speeding or distracted. 

  

Drive Safe in Any Colour 

At the end of the day, which colour cars have the most accidents is only part of the safety puzzle. Yes, white cars might be statistically safer, and black cars riskier, but how you drive matters most. Stay visible, maintain your car, and follow the laws of the road. 

Do you want to look after what’s under the hood of that fancy paint job? Get an extended car warranty from dotsure.co.za, and protect your car parts and your wallet! 

If you want to know more? Get a quick quote online or contact us today.