LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- More Californians
crash their cars on December 15 than
any other day of the year, according to an Allstate Insurance
Company review of its California
auto insurance claims over the past four years. The number of
accident claims on December 15 jumps
23 percent compared to the daily average during the rest of the
year.
"This spike in crashes could be related to weather, holiday
shopping, travel or other distractions," says Robert Feldman, Allstate agency owner in metro
Los Angeles. "What's important for
drivers is that we stay focused while at the wheel whether on the
highway or in the driveway—on December
15 and every day of the year."
Crunching the numbers on its California car accident claims, Allstate found
that the daily average number involving its policyholders during
the past four years is 435. On December
15 that number jumps to 539. The fourth worst day of the
year is just three days later. On December
18 the average number of claims is 523.
According to Allstate, the top five days for collision claims in
California are:
Top 5 Days
for California Car Accident Claims
|
|
December
15
|
|
February
14
|
|
October
13
|
|
December
18
|
|
September
5
|
|
|
Three Tips to Keep Clear of Crashes
Allstate is asking California
drivers to use December 15 as an
opportunity to consider three simple safe driving tips.
Eliminate Distractions
Cell phones, channel-changing and shifting packages are all
common distractions that can take our minds off our driving. Turn
off the phone, place packages in the trunk and make your listening
choice before putting the car in gear.
Drive According to Conditions
Rain, snow, high winds, even bright sunshine can all affect
driving. Allow space between you and the nearest vehicle, slow down
in congested areas and understand that another driver may be
distracted—so drive defensively.
Don't Drink and Drive
Holiday cheer has no place behind the wheel. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds drivers to keep the
party off the road. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, call a
cab or use public transportation if you've been drinking
alcohol.
About Allstate
To collect the data, Allstate looked at its California auto insurance accident claims from
2006 through 2009 to determine daily claim counts and the average
number of claims for each day. The company, the country's second
largest auto insurance provider, used the data to reveal days when
automobile insurance accident claims are most prevalent.
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 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®.
SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company