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The Influence of Vehicle Color on Speed Perception in Nighttime Driving Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Nenad Marković

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Aleksandar Trifunović

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Tijana Ivanišević

    (Department in Kragujevac, Academy of Professional Studies Sumadija, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia)

  • Sreten Simović

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro)

Abstract

Vehicle color coatings have long been recognized as a factor influencing road safety, particularly regarding their impact on speed perception and crash risk. This study aims to examine how different vehicle color coatings affect drivers’ perception of speed under nighttime driving conditions, with a specific focus on sustainability and visibility. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a driving simulator to replicate realistic night traffic scenarios. A total of 161 participants evaluated passenger vehicles in four distinct color treatments, white (high-reflective paint), yellow (matte safety film), blue (glossy metallic finish), and black (low-reflective coating), at two speeds: 30 km/h and 50 km/h. Participants’ perceived speeds were collected and analyzed using standardized statistical methods. Results indicated a consistent pattern: speed was overestimated at 30 km/h and underestimated at 50 km/h across all vehicle colors. Lighter-colored vehicles (white and yellow) were perceived as moving faster than darker-colored vehicles (blue and black), with significant differences between black and yellow (30 km/h), yellow and blue (30 km/h), and black and white (50 km/h). Additionally, female participants tended to estimate higher speeds than male participants across most conditions. Other individual factors, such as place of residence, driver’s license type, driving experience, and frequency of driving, also showed measurable effects on speed perception. By using a simulator and accounting for diverse demographic characteristics, the study highlights how perceptual biases related to vehicle color can influence driver behavior. These findings emphasize the importance of considering vehicle color in traffic safety strategies, including driver education, vehicle design, and policy development aimed at reducing crash risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Nenad Marković & Aleksandar Trifunović & Tijana Ivanišević & Sreten Simović, 2025. "The Influence of Vehicle Color on Speed Perception in Nighttime Driving Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3591-:d:1635902
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rafał S. Jurecki & Tomasz L. Stańczyk & Mateusz Ziubiński, 2022. "Analysis of the Structure of Driver Maneuvers in Different Road Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Nenad Marković & Tijana Ivanišević & Svetlana Čičević & Aleksandar Trifunović, 2024. "Fuzzy Logic Model for Assessing Accident Proneness Based on Passenger Vehicle Speed in Real and Virtual Traffic Conditions," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Aleksandar Senić & Marija Ivanović & Momčilo Dobrodolac & Zoran Stojadinović, 2025. "Prioritization of Preventive Measures: A Multi-Criteria Approach to Risk Mitigation in Road Infrastructure Projects," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-32, January.
    4. Friedrich Brunner & Gerhard Ruedl & Martin Kopp & Martin Burtscher, 2015. "Factors Associated with the Perception of Speed among Recreational Skiers," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(6), pages 1-10, June.
    5. Aleksandar Senić & Momčilo Dobrodolac & Zoran Stojadinović, 2024. "Predicting Extension of Time and Increasing Contract Price in Road Infrastructure Projects Using a Sugeno Fuzzy Logic Model," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-22, September.
    6. Aleksandar Trifunović & Tijana Ivanišević & Svetlana Čičević & Sreten Simović & Vedran Vukšić & Živana Slović, 2023. "Do Statistics Show Differences between Distance Estimations of 3D Objects in the Traffic Environment Using Glances, Side View Mirrors, and Camera Display?," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-13, March.
    7. Aleksandar Senić & Momčilo Dobrodolac & Zoran Stojadinović, 2024. "Development of Risk Quantification Models in Road Infrastructure Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-20, September.
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