There is a common driving myth that certain colored cars attract more traffic stops, especially for suspicions of driving while intoxicated (DWI). While there are studies made about this topic that pinpoint to “white cars” receiving the most traffic stops, this visual identifier is purely statistical, as this color is also the most popular car color in the nation.
Does car color affect traffic stops?
According to a study released by iSeeCars, they analyzed over 8.2 million used cars in the nation to figure out which color was the most famous car color. The result? 45 out of 50 states drove white cars, with the remaining five nations preferring black cars.
Meanwhile, a separate study for non-grayscale colors highlighted blue-colored cars as the ultimate crowd favorite, with red-colored cars ranked in second place.
While certain car colors may be pulled over by law enforcers more often than others, these traffic stops are influenced by driving behavior and not the colors of the cars themselves.
For example, a driver who is intoxicated may swerve randomly on the road or ignore traffic signals. These bad driving habits can risk public safety and are a common visual cue the police use to spot drunk drivers.
Are there other factors that influence traffic stops?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists these five risky driving behaviors as the most dangerous:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drug-impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
These driving habits not only place the driver’s safety at risk but also endanger the other drivers who are travelling the same path as them. Because of this, local authorities patrol the areas and seek these specific behaviors to help protect the public from imminent danger.
By protecting yourself, you protect others
When drivers like yourself follow traffic laws and drive with caution, you can safeguard yourself from the common dangers of the road while also minimizing your chances of being pulled over by the police for a driving violation.