In Fort Collins, Colorado the average driver will experience an auto collision every 14.5 years – about 31% less likely than the national average. This makes it the safest driving city in the U.S., according to claims data from the Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE:ALL) released today.
Auto accidents have declined drastically during the last few years as miles driven dropped and the Great Recession and rising unemployment took their tolls. However, crash fatalities still average around 35,000 every year despite technological advances, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Moreover, an epidemic of distracted driving injuries with more than 5,000 annual deaths is underway.
“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 Mike Roche, senior vice president, of Allstate’s Claim Organization.
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| America’s Safest Driving Cities | ||||
| City, Overall Ranking | Collision Likelihood | Years Between Collisions | ||
| 1 | Fort Collins, Colo. | -31.2% | 14.5 | |
| 2 | Chattanooga, Tenn. | -22.7% | 12.9 | |
| 3 | Boise, Idaho | -22.3% | 12.9 | |
| 4 | Colorado Springs, Colo. | -20.0% | 12.5 | |
| 5 | Knoxville, Tenn. | -19.5% | 12.4 | |
| 6 | Eugene, Ore. | -18.3% | 12.2 | |
| 7 | Reno, Nev. | -18.2% | 12.2 | |
| 8 | Huntsville, Ala. | 18.1% | 12.2 | |
| 9 | Lincoln, Neb. | -17.9% | 12.2 | |
| 10 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | -16.5% | 12.0 | |
| Compared to the national average. Source: Allstate, Sept. 2010 | ||||
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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 sixth annual report from Allstate comes from its actuaries who have conducted an 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 2007 to December 2008) 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% of all U.S. auto policies, which means it should be statistically valid. The complete report is available at www.allstatenewsroom.com.
(See also Alexandria is America’s Most Improved Driving City)