Columbia ranks 61st on 2009 “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report™”

COLUMBIA, SC – July 8, 2009 – Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today released its fifth annual Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report^TM. 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, Columbia ranks 61^st on the list and is the only city from the Palmetto State included in the study.  According to the report, the average driver in Columbia will experience an auto collision every 9.8 years. Columbia’s average between accidents is 1.9% behind the national average of 10 years.

Drivers in Columbia are making great progress toward keeping America’s roadways safer, said South Carolina Territory Sales Leader Jim Uschelbec. We salute Columbia’s best drivers and recognize their safe driving skills, which make all of our communities safer places to live, work and raise families.

 The Allstate America’s Best Driver’s Report was created to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving that saves lives.  Below is a look at how cities in the Carolinas finished.     

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, Uschelbec said.

 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 ten 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 Driving City

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).