As California's Best Big City Drivers, Fresno Rewarded with $10,000 Free Fuel

FRESNO, Calif., Dec. 21, 2011  /PRNewswire/ -- Fresno Police traffic officers are rewarding safe drivers here this morning with $10,000 free fuel from Allstate for achieving top ranking among California big cities in the 2011 Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™.

"Many drivers in Fresno are doing their part toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Phil Telgenhoff, Field Vice President of Allstate in California. "We salute drivers there who make the community a safer place to live, work and raise families."

"In the past eight years, fatal traffic collisions in Fresno have decreased by 47 percent," said Fresno Police Traffic Bureau Commander Capt. Andrew Hall. "Collisions and traffic violations in general also have been reduced. It's taken a commitment by the community and we see the results of this commitment every day."

Call it a Best Drivers Award

At 9 a.m. today, Fresno Police traffic officers will begin rewarding drivers who are exhibiting safe driving technique with a $50 gas card. Safe driving can be as simple as:

• Completing full stop at red before turning right,
• Using turn signal appropriately,
• Properly using seat belt and/or child safety seat,
• Two hands on the wheel and/or using rear view mirrors appropriately,
• And other safe driving techniques.

Officers will gesture to the safe driver who will receive their gas card where they can safely steer their vehicle from traffic.

Equally distributed among traffic officers assigned to each area of the city, the $10,000 in free fuel from Allstate will be exhausted once 200 drivers have been rewarded.

Everyday Reward

Safe driving can be rewarding everyday. By avoiding the pitfalls that lead to collisions, drivers are rewarded by remaining accident-free.

• Minimize distractions such as cell phone use, eating, personal grooming, etc.,
• Leave a safe distance between your car and others,
• Drive according to road conditions.
• Steer clear of road rage.
• Maintain the cars proper operating conditions.

Best Drivers Rankings – California's Five Largest Cities

According to the seventh annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™ released in September, Fresno topped all California big cities for the lowest auto collision frequency.

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

"Fresno Police have made safe driving a public safety priority and drivers here are making a difference," said Hall.

The Report

To view the complete Allstate America's Best Drivers Report™ or to see previous year's results, go online: www.allstatenewsroom.com. (Specific URL: http://www.allstatenewsroom.com/releases/seventh-annual-allstate-america-s-best-drivers-report-reveals-safest-driving-cities?query=best+drivers+report )

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®.

SOURCE Allstate Corporation