Truck Color and Accident Risk – Is there a Link?

Vehicle color has long been thought to play a role in road safety. When it comes to large trucks, common wisdom says that brighter colors like white are safer, as they increase visibility. But is there hard data to back this up? This article will examine what researchers have discovered about truck color and accident rates.

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The Popularity of White Trucks

Take a look around America’s highways, and you’ll notice most of the 18-wheelers are white or light gray. This is no accident – fleets choose these colors deliberately. White and silver are popular for semi trucks because they reflect light well. This makes the rigs more visible not only during the day, but at nighttime and in bad weather. Enhanced visibility gives other drivers more time to spot the trucks and react accordingly. For trucking companies concerned about safety and liability, choosing a highly-visible color seems an obvious decision.

Statistics on Large Truck Crashes: Insights from Trucking Experts and Truck Accident Lawyers

According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, there were over 500,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Of these, around 5,000 resulted in fatalities.

Experienced truck accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of the accident and the evidence. They will determine whether factors like truck color contributed to the collision. They will stick to facts, science, and the human factors that commonly cause trucking crashes.

With so many accidents occurring, it’s clear more research is needed on truck safety. If vehicle color does impact crash rates, this could influence best practices across the trucking industry. Fleet managers may need to rethink their color selection policies. But so far, scientific data on the topic is limited.

Studying the Link Between Truck Color and Crashes

In 2007, a landmark study dug into the relationship between car color and accident risk. According to the results, black cars had a 12% higher crash rate compared to white cars under daylight conditions. The disparity grew even wider in low light. Black cars crashed 47% more often than white cars around dawn or dusk. Results also showed elevated crash rates for grey, silver, blue and red vehicles. Based on this data, it’s easy to conclude that truck color also impacts accident risk.

Should Trucking Companies Switch to White Trucks to Avoid Accidents?

The existing research indicates that brightly colored trucks are safer, especially in low light conditions. Does this mean trucking firms should exclusively buy white rigs? Not necessarily. While white is ideal for visibility, other factors impact truck purchases. Firm reputation, driver preference and resale value also matter. There may be situations where a company selects a color other than white or operates a mixed-color fleet. Nonetheless, safety managers should be aware that truck color impacts crash risk. If they choose a darker color, extra precautions like reflective stripping may be advisable. Companies should also audit accident rates by truck color and reassess policies if certain colors prove riskier.

Speaking with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney after the Collision

Anyone injured in a truck crash should consider consulting an attorney. The attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, advise you on legal options, and represent you in court if needed. Don’t hesitate to contact a qualified truck accident attorney for a free consultation after any collision with a commercial motor vehicle. Legal help ensures you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

While trucking companies gravitate toward white for safety, scientific research on this topic is still emerging. Available studies reveal a clear link between vehicle color and crash risk, both for passenger cars and large trucks. Black and other dark colors appear to increase accident rates, especially in low lighting conditions. As more data comes in, the trucking industry may need to reevaluate their vehicle color selection policies through the lens of safety.