Killer Colours: What d'You drive?

According to a German vehicle testing agency, the real killer colour is black; a black car is least visible on the road, even in bright sunshine, so a dozy oncoming driver might not be aware of you when he pulls out to overtake. You know what will happen next - well, for a few seconds perhaps.

Now, if you'd chosen a white car in the showroom, you'd likely still be alive because white is the most visible colour in traffic even when the ambient light is poor.

You'll also be less safe in an anthracite or grey car - or the silver and dark-blue vehicles which buyers believe will have good resale value.

Stay in the pink

Accident figures from around the globe reflect the risks posed by darker colours. Bright and vibrant colours such as white and yellow reflect light better, making them more visible even at a distance.

A Swedish study found that pink cars were involved in the fewest accidents. In Australia, research conducted by Monash University Accident Unit found that black cars were 12% more likely to be involved in an accident than white, followed by grey and silver.

This was followed by grey and silver.

A study at New Zealand's University of Auckland also linked car colour to rates of injury-causing accidents. The study showed that those who drove brown cars were at the highest risk of sustaining an injury in a car crash. Black and green also showed a higher risk of injurious involvement.

You have been warned!