Modern cars are often equipped with features like automated emergency braking systems and electronic stability control to help drivers avoid accidents. However, something as simple as the color of a car’s turn signals could be the key to saving many lives on Arkansas roads each year.
How much of a difference do they make?
Information has been available for years indicating that amber turn signals are effective at preventing motor vehicle accidents. A 2008 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that amber turn signals would result in 22% fewer rear-end accidents than when signals are red. These types of accidents were prevalent when a driver was engaged in a maneuver relevant to turn signals like changing lanes, parking and turning.
Red or amber?
The agency experimented the following year by studying accident reports of cars that had switched turn signal colors from red to amber or vice-versa. The study only involved cars that received no alterations to the body and sported the same size and shape for taillight housing. In this study, cars with amber-colored turn signals had 5% fewer accidents than cars with red turn signals. The conclusions drawn from these studies are so compelling that the NHTSA is considering the addition of amber colored turn signals to its list of criteria to attain a five-star safety rating.
An accident on the road can change the lives of everyone involved in the blink of an eye. Individuals who have suffered injuries or loss of property due to an automobile accident may be able to recover part or all of their losses by consulting with an attorney experienced in these matters.