BRIGHT coloured cars can pay double dividends for motorists according to new research being flagged up by Honda.
Apparently, driving a car with a stand out paint job is not only safer but it can also make you feel happier.
Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have found that orange cars are among the safest on the road.
Other light or bright shades such as yellow, white and silver are also less likely to be involved in an accident while black and grey cars were considered less safe.
Experts put the higher accident rate down to the cars being less visible, especially in poor weather or low light.
That follows on from a study by psychologists who found there was a strong link between colours and personality - again highlighting orange and yellow as colours most popular with extroverts and satisfied people.
The research contained on the psychology website verywell.com says that orange is a colour that brings to mind feelings ofexcitement, enthusiasm, and warmth, while yellow is cheery and warm and can even increase the metabolism.
Honda says the colourful findings justify the latest finishes being offered on its Jazz supermini which now include bright orange and yellow paint jobs.
Phil Webb, head of cars at Honda UK, said: "Colours such as Sunset Orange and Attract Yellow Pearl add more than just character. They're statistically safer, much more visible on darker days, and they help lift the moods of everyone around them."
Honda is currently offering the third generation Jazz from £13,645 or with PCP packages starting at £169 a month.