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Idaho drivers second-best for risk of crash

Brent Jennings, PE
Highway Safety Manager
I ran across an article from the Allstate Insurance Company whereby they released their 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. This year's top honor of "America's Safest Driving City" is Sioux Falls, S.D., the fifth time in the history of the report that the city has held the top spot. Boise ranked second.

According to the report, the average driver in Sioux Falls will experience an auto collision every 13.8 years, which is 27.6 percent less likely than the national average of 10 years.

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City & Overall Ranking	Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average	Average Years Between Collisions
1. Sioux Falls, S.D.	27.6% less likely	13.8
2. Boise, Idaho	27.3% less likely	13.8
3. Fort Collins, Colo.	26.7% less likely	13.6
4. Madison, Wisc.	23.0% less likely	13.0
5. Lincoln, Neb.	19.3% less likely	12.4
6. Huntsville, Ala.	19.1% less likely 12.4 7.	12.4
7. Chandler, Ariz.	18.9% less likely	12.3
8. Reno, Nev.	18.4% less likely	12.3
9. Knoxville, Tenn.	18.1% less likely	12.2
10. Springfield, Mo.	17.4% less likely	12.1

Allstate created this report to boost the country's discussion on safe driving and to increase awareness about the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel.

While car-crash fatalities are at the lowest level they've been nationally since 1949, they still average more than 32,000 every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Reviewing this information continues to reinforce that it is vital for us to have a continued awareness about safe-driving behaviors. Minimizing distractions, obeying traffic laws and using your car's safety features are all ways to be safer, no matter where you drive.

Here are some common sense tips for safe driving:

Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Stop-and-go traffic, gridlock, traffic signal stops, pedestrian walkways and events that create traffic detours can add time to your travel.
Know what's happening in the city during the time you're driving. Find out if there are events that may impact traffic, and listen to traffic reports on your car radio. Avoid traffic jams or explore alternative routes, if possible.
Stay alert. Be prepared to frequently stop or slow down for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, parking cars, taxi cabs and public transportation vehicles such as city buses.
Get directions to where you're going. Review directions carefully in advance. If you get lost mid-trip, safely pull over and wait until you feel calm enough to get back on the road, using that time to get directions, check traffic or call for help.
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.

Taking the time to review your own driving decisions will help us all reach our destinations safely as we continue to enjoy the rest of summer.