Boise drivers ranked second nationally for safety by Allstate

Boise drivers are a little safer on the highway than they were last year, but there isn’t much room for more improvement, at least in rankings by a national insurance company. Based on population and the frequency of crashes, Boise drivers can expect to travel nearly 14 years without having an accident, suggests a report issued this week by Allstate Insurance. Its eighth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” shows Boise-area drivers are second in the nation for safety, behind only Sioux Falls, S.D.

Drivers in South Dakota are 27.6 percent less likely to be involved in a traffic crash than the national average. It was the fifth time in eight years the city ranked No. 1. Boise drivers are close behind (but not too close for safety) with a rate of "27.3 percent less likely."

Boise drivers moved up one place, from third, in the 2011 Allstate report.

This year’s top 10 included (in order): Fort Collins, Colo.; Madison, Wisc.; Lincoln, Neb.; Huntsville, Ala.; Chandler, Ariz.; Reno, Nev.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Springfield, Mo.

Drivers in Philadelphia were 64.1 percent more likely to have a crash than the national average and can expect to go only 6.1 years between collisions.


(Allstate news release)

The Allstate Insurance Company (Tuesday) released its eighth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report." The report, based on Allstate claims data, ranks America's 200* largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers.

"Allstate's Best Driver's Report was created to boost the country's discussion on safe driving. Each year we hope the report will increase awareness about the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche, senior vice president of claims, Allstate.

"We want to recognize the city of Sioux Falls for being the safest driving city in America, and whether you drive in a large city, small city or a rural area, we encourage all Americans to practice safe driving habits and good car safety." 

Car crash fatalities are at the lowest level they've been since 1949, but still average more than 32,000 every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"It is vital for us to educate American drivers about safe driving behaviors they can demonstrate on the road that will help make our roadways safer," said Roche. "Minimizing distractions, obeying traffic laws, and using your car's safety features like turn signals and headlights, are all ways to be safer, no matter where you drive."

Big-city vs. Small-city Driving
Different levels and types of traffic, noise and activity, as well as varying road conditions and rules, can make big city driving different than driving in smaller cities or more suburban areas. Allstate offers the following tips for driving in both settings. In larger cities:

In smaller cities and suburban areas:
Watch the speed limit
Speed limits may be greater than in city traffic, which can lead some drivers to speed up and make roads dangerous.

Look out for pedestrians, especially children
While there are typically fewer pedestrians or obstacles than in large metropolitan areas, there are also typically fewer crosswalks, so pedestrians may be less aware of traffic rules such as where and when to cross the street.

Know the rules of the road
Suburban streets typically have fewer streetlights and signs, or greater distance between lights and signs. This means darker conditions when driving at night and less opportunity to be reminded of speed limits and other road rules throughout the day. 

Keep a safe distance - especially around large vehicles
Large vehicles like semi-trucks are more likely found on suburban roads than in large metro areas. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and know that truck drivers might have limited visibility. If you attempt to pass a truck, make sure you have plenty of time and space to maneuver safely.

 

 

Published 8-31-2012