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

Allstate Rewards 'America's Most Improved Driving City' with Free Gas

NORTHBROOK, IL - July 8, 2009: The Allstate Insurance Company today released its fifth 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. 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.

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

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