Posted: Sep 2, 2010 11:15 AM
Updated: Sep 2, 2010 11:16 AM
TUCSON - The sixth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report" has Tucson drivers ranked No. 20 and places them among the safest in the country.
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.
According to the report, the average driver in Tucson will experience an auto collision every 11.3 years, making them 11.1 percent less likely to crash compared with the national average.
Other Arizona cities with notable rankings include Chandler as the highest ranked in Arizona; Phoenix as No. 1 in the top 10 largest populated cities (No. 74 overall); and Tempe as the most improved city in the nation, jumping 39 spots.
"Tucson drivers are making great progress toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Denis Bailey, field vice president for Allstate's Southwest Region. "These results make everyone at Allstate proud to have best drivers in our community and so today we're recognizing their safe driving skills."
The Allstate America's Best Driver's Report was created to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving that saves lives. This year's top honor of "America's Safest Driving City" is Fort Collins, Colorado. According to the report, the average driver in Fort Collins will experience an auto collision every 14.5 years, which is 31.2 percent less likely than the national average.
Below is a look at how all Arizona cities finished.
City & Overall Ranking/Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average/ Average Years Between Collisions
16. Chandler/11.9% less likely/11.4
20. Tucson/11.1% less likely/11.3
23. Mesa/10.6% less likely/11.2
25. Gilbert/10.4% less likely/11.2
34. Scottsdale/8% less likely/10.9
47. Tempe/4.2% less likely/10.4
50. Glendale/3.2% less likely/10.3
74. Phoenix/1.9% more likely/9.8
91. Peoria/4.4% more likely/9.6
Auto crashes in general have declined over the last few years, but crash fatalities still average around an alarming 35,000 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 Bailey.
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 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.
Below is a look at the Top 10 cities in the report.
City & Overall Ranking/Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average/ Average Years Between Collisions
1. Fort Collins, Colo./31.2% less likely/14.5
2. Chattanooga, Tenn./22.7% less likely/12.9
3. Boise, Idaho/22.3% less likely/12.9
4. Colorado Springs, Colo./20.0% less likely/12.5
5. Knoxville, Tenn./19.5% less likely/12.4
6. Eugene, Ore./18.3% less likely/12.2
7. Reno, Nev./18.2% less likely/12.2
8. Huntsville, Ala./18.1% less likely/12.2
9. Lincoln, Neb./17.9% less likely/12.2
10. Cedar Rapids, IA/16.5% less likely/12.0
To view the complete "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report," or to see previous year's results, log onto: www.allstate.com.
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