CHICAGO, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allstate Insurance
Company (NYSE: ALL) today released its sixth annual "Allstate
America's Best Drivers Report™." 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.
In the 2010 report, Chicago
ranks as one of the least safe driving cities, landing at number
167 on the list. According to the report, the average driver
in Chicago will experience an auto
collision every 7.6 years. That's an improvement of .3 years since
last year's report was issued.
"We don't want drivers in Chicago to be discouraged by their ranking.
Instead, we want the report to challenge drivers in Chicago to make positive changes to their
driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to
live, work and raise families," said Kevin
Carney, Territory Sales Leader for Allstate's Chicago
Territory.
The Allstate America's Best Driver's Report was created to
facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving that saves lives.
This year's top honor of "America's Safest Driving City" is
Fort Collins, Colorado. According
to the report, the average driver in Fort
Collins will experience an auto collision every 14.5 years,
which is 31.2 percent less likely than the national average.
Below is a look at how other cities in Illinois finished.
City & Overall
Ranking
|
Collision
Likelihood
Compared to
National
Average
|
Average Years
Between
Collisions
|
|
Rockford - Number 38
|
-7.2% less likely
|
10.8
|
|
Joliet - Number
107
|
8.5% more likely
|
9.2
|
|
Naperville - Number
133
|
16.7% more likely
|
8.6
|
|
Aurora - Number 137
|
17.9% more likely
|
8.5
|
|
|
|
|
Auto crashes in general have declined over the last few years,
but crash fatalities still average around an alarming 35,000 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 Carney.
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 six 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 2007 to December 2008) 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 percent of all U.S. auto policies, making this
report a realistic snapshot of what's happening on America's
roadways.
To view the complete "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report,"
or to see previous year's results, log onto www.allstate.com.
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.
About Allstate
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®" slogan, Allstate is
reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million
households insure what they have today and better prepare for
tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home,
life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies,
independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial
representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and
1-800 Allstate®.
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.
Contact:
|
Ellie Klooster
|
|
|
(847) 667-8108
|
|
|
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SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company
Copyright t. 2 PR Newswire