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How can I make my car more visible?

On Behalf of | May 15, 2023 | Car Accidents

Runners and cyclists are often alerted to the benefits of high visibility. To avoid being hit by cars, they are told they need to become visible as possible. They often do this by wearing light vests, headlamps, high-viz tape, reflective patches and brightly colored clothing. They want to make sure that they stand out so that they’ll never be hit by a motorist who says that they simply “never saw them.”

Of course, as a driver, you’ll also want to remain safe and avoid accidents. Higher visibility can help you in this regard, as well. Car accidents do sometimes happen because one driver simply doesn’t notice another vehicle.

Consider the color

To start with, purchase a vehicle in a thoughtful color. Studies have found that white cars are about 12% safer than darker types of vehicles. Many people gravitate towards dark gray or black just because they’re popular. But both of those colors are also going to blend into the background, and they’re going to disappear more easily at dusk and dawn, when the amount of light is significantly lower. A white vehicle stands out and this leads to a reduction in accident risk. You could also consider bright colors like yellow, lime green or orange.

Drive with your lights on

Another thing to think about is keeping your lights on at all times. Don’t just turn them on at night. They increase visibility tremendously, which is why you’re supposed to turn them on in low visibility conditions – such as during a rainstorm or when it gets foggy.

But simply having your lights on, even on a sunny afternoon, will make you stand out from the other cars on the road. Even the slight increase in visibility can have an impact on your accident odds. If you have a bright-colored car with your lights on, you’re going to be much safer than if you’re driving a dark-colored car with your lights off – no matter what time it is.

Unfortunately, you can do everything in your power to stay safe and still be injured by another negligent driver. If this happens to you, seek legal guidance promptly to better safeguard your legal and financial interests as you navigate the aftermath of your wreck.

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