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Fifth Annual 'Allstate America's Best Drivers Report(TM)' Reveals Which Cities Have the Safest Drivers

Posted on: Wednesday, 8 July 2009, 07:00 CDT

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today released its fifth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report(TM)." The report ranks America's 200 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers according to Allstate data. This year's report highlights America's most improved motorists.

This year's top honor of "America's Most Improved Driving City" is Alexandria, VA. According to the report, the average driver in Alexandria will experience an auto collision every 7.2 years, an improvement of 1.8 years since 2005. Allstate will congratulate motorists in Alexandria for their safe driving improvements with a free gas giveaway today, delivering some unexpected relief from high gas prices.

"We are thrilled to see cities making progress toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Mike Roche, senior vice president, Allstate's Claim Organization. "Allstate has a strong history in promoting safe driving, and The Allstate America's Best Driver's Report was created to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving that saves lives. We salute America's best drivers and recognize their improved driving skills, which make all of our communities better places to live, work and raise families."

Alexandria city officials were proud to be recognized for their progress in driving safety, but realize there is still room for more improvements and continue working with residents to help make roads even safer.

"We are very pleased that Alexandria has been recognized as America's Most Improved Driving City. This important recognition demonstrates that our residents are committed to safe, attentive driving practices on our roads. We will continue to encourage Alexandria drivers to be safe and smart behind the wheel, hopefully ensuring that accidents rates will remain low," says Alexandria, VA Mayor William D. Euille.

Auto crashes in general have declined over the last few years, but crash fatalities still average around an alarming 40,000 every year despite technological advances according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Human error is the biggest cause of accidents. It is vital for us to educate drivers across the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Roche.

Allstate offers the following safe driving tips drivers should consider:

• Minimize distractions - Engaging in any other activity while driving - talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup - is a distraction.
• Be aware of road conditions - Ice, snow, fog, rain - all of these weather conditions require extra caution and slower speeds.
• Leave a safe distance between your car and others around you - Maintain at least one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour of speed.
• Steer clear of road rage - Reduce stress on the road by allowing plenty of time for travel, planning your route in advance, and altering your schedule or route to avoid congested roads. Remember not to challenge aggressive drivers and stay as far away from them as possible.
• Maintenance matters - Ultimately, safety also depends on the maintenance of one's car. Ensure that car brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery, and hoses are in good working order.

The Report

For the past five years, Allstate actuaries have conducted an in-depth analysis of company claim data to determine the likelihood drivers in America's 200 largest cities will experience a vehicle collision compared to the national average. Internal property damage reported claims were analyzed over a two-year period (from January 2006 to December 2007) to ensure the findings would not be impacted by external influences such as weather or road construction.

A weighted average of the two-year numbers determined the annual percentages. The report defines an auto crash as any collision resulting in a property damage claim. Allstate's auto policies represent about 11.3 percent of all U.S. auto policies, making this report a realistic snapshot of what's happening on America's roadways.

[Complete report available at www.allstatenewsroom.com]

America's Most-Improved Motorists

Alexandria, VA topped the most improved chart improving its years between accidents by 1.8 years and climbed from the 194 spot in 2005 to 174 in 2009. Virginia drivers in general appear to observe the safety call. Five out of the top 10 most improved driving cities were in Virginia (Alexandria, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Richmond).

City & Overall Ranking 2005 - 2009 Increase in Years Between Accidents 174. Alexandria, Va. 1.8 9. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. 1.7 177. Arlington, Texas 1.6 40. Hampton, Va. 1.3 101. Virginia Beach, Va. 1.3 65. Aurora, Colo. 1.2 57. Chesapeake, Va. 1.2 11. Reno, Nev. 1.2 31. Richmond, Va. 1.2 100. Shreveport, La. 1.0

The Top Ten

Drivers from Sioux Falls, S.D. maintained their status as the safest driving city in this year's report for the fourth consecutive year. However, two new cities championed their way into the top ten, Eugene, Ore. and Boise, Idaho.

City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Average Years Compared to National Between Average Collisions 1. Sioux Falls, S.D. -26.1% less likely 13.5 2. Fort Collins, Colo. -24.6% less likely 13.3 3. Chattanooga, Tenn. -21.4% less likely 12.7 4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa -20.7% less likely 12.6 5. Knoxville, Tenn. -19.0% less likely 12.3 6. Fort Wayne, Ind. -18.4% less likely 12.2 7. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. -17.7% less likely 12.1 8. Eugene, Ore. -16.3% less likely 11.9 9. Boise, Idaho -15.4% less likely 11.8 10. Colorado Springs, Colo. -15.0% less likely 11.8

Additional "Road" Scholars

Drivers in U.S. cities with populations of one million-plus are more likely than the national average to experience a collision. Motorists in Phoenix topped the list in this category making them the safest big city commuters.

Cities with More Than One Million Residents...

City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Average Years Compared to National Between Average Collisions 95. Phoenix, Ariz. 8.8% more likely 9.2 108. San Diego, Calif. 13.0% more likely 8.8 145. New York, N.Y. 25.5% more likely 8.0 161. Houston, Texas 32.0% more likely 7.6 168. San Antonio, Texas 36.3% more likely 7.3 170. Chicago, Ill. 37.6% more likely 7.3 173. Dallas, Texas 39.5% more likely 7.2 184. Los Angeles, Calif. 46.6% more likely 6.8 188. Philadelphia, Pa. 57.1% more likely 6.4

For more information on how your safe driving record can save you money on your insurance, including cash off your renewal bill and cash off your deductible, contact an Allstate agent or call 1-800-ALLSTATE.

To discuss the Best Drivers report and share your thoughts on a city's ranking, log onto www.goodhandscommunity.org

To view the complete "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report," or to see previous year's results, log onto www.allstatenewsroom.com.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.

Note: The Allstate data excludes cities in the state of Massachusetts. Other cities not represented by any zip codes found in Allstate data: West Valley, Utah, Coral Springs, Fla., Lakewood, Colo., and Pembroke Pines, Fla. The Allstate Best Drivers Report is produced solely to boost the country's discussion about safe driving and to increase awareness of the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel. The report is not used to determine auto insurance rates. A state specific adjustment was utilized for the Michigan cities to account for the unique coverage offered in that state.

SOURCE The Allstate Insurance Company

Source: PR Newswire

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