You don’t control how other drivers on Kentucky roads behave while operating their motor vehicles. However, advanced emergency braking tools and even the color of your car’s turn signal can help keep you safe.
Signal color is more important that additional brake lights
In 1986, automakers were ordered to put a third brake light on all of their vehicles. A study in 2009 found that it reduced rear-end collisions by 4.3%. However, that same study found that rear-end collisions went down by 5.3% in vehicles that changed from red taillights to amber in the middle of a production cycle.
Changing from red to amber isn’t necessarily a big change
It costs a manufacturer less than $10 to use an amber turn signal in favor of a red one. Furthermore, research has shown that these colored lights help prevent accidents.
Cars with red turn signals are more likely to be struck from behind
A 2008 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that vehicles with red turn lights were 22% more likely to be hit from behind than those with amber lights. To qualify for a top safety rating in the future, an automaker may be required to equip its vehicles with amber signal lights. However, it is important to note that there are currently no plans to mandate the use of such lights even if they improve safety.
If you are hurt in a car accident, you may experience broken bones, muscle strains or other injuries that cause chronic pain. It might be possible to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages or other damages related to an accident. An attorney may be able to help you pursue a settlement or jury award.