December 15 is Most Dangerous Day for California Drivers

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:

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