CONNECTIONS

IDAHO
ITD HOME
511 TRAVEL SERVICES
IDAHO DMV
ITD NEWS
HIGHWAY SAFETY
IDAHO STATE POLICE


STATE OF IDAHO
NIATT

NATIONAL
AASHTO
AAMVA
AAA of IDAHO
FEDERAL HIGHWAYS
FEDERAL AVIATION
IDAHO STATE POLICE
NHTSA
NTSB
TRB
U.S. DOT

TRANSPORTER
Archives
Milestones
Comments

Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Boise-area drivers average 11.8 years between crashes;
shares ranking of 9th in Allstate national report

Auto body repair shops in the Boise area apparently rely less on repeat customers than new ones – or so suggests a report issued this week by Allstate Insurance Company of Northbrook, Ill.
 
“Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” indicates that Boise car owners average about 11.8 years between collisions, which ranks them ninth, along with Colorado Springs, Colo., in the nation’s top 10.  It was the first appearance for Boise in the top 10. Eugene, Ore., also entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking just ahead of Boise and Colorado Springs with 11.9 years between collisions.
 
The safest drivers, judging from the Allstate report, are in Sioux Falls, S.D., where they average 13.5 years between collisions and are 26.1 percent less likely to have a crash when compared with the national average.
 
Other cities in the top 10 include Fort Collins, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Knoxville, Tenn.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
 
Auto body repairmen are more likely to see repeat customers if they operate in Philadelphia where drivers are involved in a crash an average of every 6.4 years or in Los Angeles where the recurrence is about every 6.8 years.
 
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.

This year's top honor of "America's Most Improved Driving City" is Alexandria, Va. According to the report, the average driver in Alexandria will experience an auto collision every 7.2 years, an improvement of 1.8 years since 2005. Allstate congratulated motorists in Alexandria for their safe driving improvements by giving away free gas, delivering some unexpected relief from high gas prices.
 
"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, Allstate's Claim Organization.
 
To help motorists extend the time between collisions, Allstate offers the following driving tips:

  • 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 complete Allstate report available at www.allstatenewsroom.com

Published 7-10-09