NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Arlington Drivers Ranked Most Improved in Texas;
Fort Worth Drivers Ranked Safest in the Metroplex
Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report™ Reveals Cities with Safest and Most
Improved Drivers
IRVING, TX, July 14, 2009–Arlington residents are the most improved drivers in
Texas as far as safety and are the third most improved in the country, according
to the 2009 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.
The report ranks the 200 largest cities in the country 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 and found
Arlington drivers increased their average span between accidents from 5.5 to 7.1
years, helping it land the most improved title in Texas.
As far as the overall safest drivers in the Metroplex, Fort Worth residents took the
top spot in the report, followed by Plano, Grand Prairie, Carrollton and Mesquite.
Arlington, Dallas, Garland and Irving rounded out the list.
Other notable North Texas statistics in the report—Dallas drivers are the seventh
safest among cities in the county with populations of more than one million
people.
Irving drivers are ranked as the least safe in Texas, according to the report, and
are among the top ten least safe in the country.
The Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report was created to facilitate an ongoing
dialogue on safe driving that saves lives. Below is a look at how other cities in
Texas finished.

National Rank/City Collision Likelihood Compared to National

Average Average Years Between Collisions
23. Brownsville 9.3% less likely 11
38. McAllen 4.8 % less likely 10.5
44. Lubbock 2.4% less likely 10.2
59. Laredo 1.2% more likely 9.9
75. El Paso 4.3% more likely 9.6
79. Amarillo 5.2% more likely 9.5
89. Corpus Christi 7.8% more likely 9.3
124. Pasadena 16.7% more likely 8.6
133. Fort Worth 20.4% more likely 8.3
138. Waco 22.2% more likely 8.2
161. Houston 32% more likely 7.6
162. Plano 32.2% more likely 7.6
165. Grand Prairie 33.3% more likely 7.5
 166. Carrolton 35.7% more likely 7.5
167. Mesquite 36.2% more likely 7.3
168. San Antonio 36.3% more likely 7.3
172. Arlington 38.6% more likely 7.2
173. Dallas 39.5% more likely 7.2
178. Garland 41.8% more likely 7.1
179. Austin 43.5% more likely 7.0
183. Irving 46.6% more likely 6.8

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,” said Allstate Texas field vice president Phil Lawson.
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).
City & Overall Ranking 2005 – 2009 Increase in Years Between Accidents
174. Alexandria, Va. 1.8
9. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. 1.7
177. Arlington, Texas 1.6
40. Hampton, Va. 1.3
101. Virginia Beach, Va. 1.3
65. Aurora, Colo. 1.2
57. Chesapeake, Va. 1.2
11. Reno, Nev. 1.2
31. Richmond, Va. 1.2
100. Shreveport, La. 1.0
The Top Ten
Drivers from Sioux Falls maintained their status as the safest city in this year’s
report for the fourth consecutive year. However, two new cities championed their
way into the top ten, Eugene, Ore. and Boise, Idaho.
City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Compared to National
Average Average Years Between Collisions
1. Sioux Falls, S.D. -26.1% less likely 13.5
2. Fort Collins, Colo. -24.6% less likely 13.3
3. Chattanooga, Tenn. -21.4% less likely 12.7
4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa -20.7% less likely 12.6
5. Knoxville, Tenn. -19.0% less likely 12.3
6. Fort Wayne, Ind. -18.4% less likely 12.2
 7. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. -17.7% less likely 12.1
8. Eugene, Ore. -16.3% less likely 11.9
9. Boise, Idaho -15.4% less likely 11.8
10. Colorado Springs, Colo. -15.0% less likely 11.8

Additional "Road" Scholars

Drivers in U.S. cities with populations of one million-plus are more likely than the
national average to experience a collision. Motorists in Phoenix topped the list in
this category making them the safest big city commuters.
Cities with More Than One Million Residents…
City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Compared to National
Average Average Years Between Collisions
95. Phoenix, Ariz. 8.8% more likely 9.2
108. San Diego, Calif. 13.0% more likely 8.8
145. New York, N.Y. 25.5% more likely 8.0
161. Houston, Texas 32.0% more likely 7.6
168. San Antonio, Texas 36.3% more likely 7.3
170. Chicago, Ill. 37.6% more likely 7.3
173. Dallas, Texas 39.5% more likely 7.2
184. Los Angeles, Calif. 46.6% more likely 6.8
188. Philadelphia, Pa. 57.1% more likely 6.4
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.
To discuss the Best Drivers report and share your thoughts on a city’s ranking,
log onto goodhandscommunity.org
To view the complete “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report,” or to see previous
year’s results, log onto allstatenewsroom.com.
About Allstate
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
individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today
and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and
services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through
approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in
the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.
Encompass® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold
exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides
life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and
retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers
that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial
institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about
Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com.
# # #
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.