Cape Coral Drivers Again Named Best in Florida
Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today released its fifth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.” The report ranks America’s 200 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers according to Allstate data.
This year, Cape Coral ranks as one of the safest driving cities, landing at 42, and is the highest ranking Florida city on the list. Cape Coral claimed the top spot in Florida from 2005 to 2007, but slipped to second last year, just one spot below Tallahassee.
“Drivers in Cape Coral are making great progress toward keeping America’s roadways safer,” said Mike Sheely, Allstate Field Vice President Florida Region. “We salute Cape Coral’s best drivers and recognize their safe driving skills, which make our communities safer places to live, work and raise families.”
According to the report, the average driver in Cape Coral will experience an auto collision every 10.3 years. Below is a look at how other cities in Florida finished.
City & Overall Ranking
Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average
Average Years Between Collisions
42. Cape Coral
-3.2% Less Likely
10.3
54. Port St. Lucie
-0.8% Less Likely
10.1
60. Tallahassee
1.7% More Likely
9.8
73. Jacksonville
4.0% More Likely
9.6
80. St. Petersburg
5.4% More Likely
9.5
123. Ft. Lauderdale
16.7% More Likely
8.6
143. Hollywood
25.1% More Likely
8.0
146. Orlando
25.7% More Likely
152. Tampa
28.5% More Likely
7.8
169. Miami
37.0% More Likely
7.3
180. Hialeah
44.1% More Likely
6.9
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,” Sheely said.
Allstate offers the following safety tips for drivers to consider:
Minimize distractions Engaging in any other activity while driving takes focus away from the road talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup is a distraction.
Be aware of road conditions Fog, rain, and high winds 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 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.
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, Ind.
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
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).
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.
65. Aurora, Colo.
1.2
57. Chesapeake, Va.
11. Reno, Nev.
31. Richmond, Va.
100. Shreveport, La.
1.0
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 www.goodhandscommunity.org
To view the complete “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report,” or to see previous year’s results, log onto www.allstate.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.
Source: Allstate