14 California Cities in Top 100 of Annual Best Drivers Report

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- California's best drivers can be found in Salinas while 13 other cities across the state also rank among the top 100 for lowest auto collision frequency in the largest U.S. cities. This is according to the seventh annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™ released today.

This is the third consecutive year that Salinas topped the best drivers list in California. Nationally, Salinas is ranked 33rd, behind top-rated Fort Collins, Colo., and ahead of Lancaster, rated 54th nationally, and Fresno at 65th.

According to the report, the average driver in the nation's largest cities will experience an auto collision approximately every 10 years. Only Salinas—at 10.8 years—and Lancaster—at 10.1 years—can boast a collision rate that's less frequent.

Fresno is top-rated among California's 10 largest cities, while San Diego and San Jose are among the Top 10 of the largest U.S. cities, ranked fifth and sixth respectively.

"Drivers in Salinas are doing their part toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Phil Telgenhoff, Assistant Field Vice President of Allstate in California. "We salute best drivers there and across California who make our communities safer places to live, work and raise families."

"Human error is the biggest cause of collisions," Telgenhoff added, "It's vital for drivers to understand the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel."

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, Colo., its second consecutive year at the top spot. According to the report, the average driver in Fort Collins will experience an auto collision every 14 years, which is 28.6 percent less likely than the national average of 10 years.

Allstate offers the following safe driving tips:

• Minimize distractions – Engaging in other activity while driving – talking on a cell phone, text messaging, changing the radio station, personal grooming, etc. – is a distraction.
• Be aware of road conditions – Ice, snow, fog, rain, and other weather conditions require extra caution and slower speeds.
• Leave a safe distance between your car and others – 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 the car. Ensure the car brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery and hoses are in good working order.

The Report

For the past seven 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 2008 to December 2009) 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 10 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.allstatenewsroom.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 known for its "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 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.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company California