Orlando drivers rank 146 out of 200

ORLANDO, Fla. - Allstate Insurance Company, on Wednesday, 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, Orlando moves up four spots to 146 on the list. Although an improvement among cities, the report indicates Orlando drivers are nearly 26 percent more likely to experience a collision compared to drivers nationwide.

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 Florida and the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel, said Mike Sheely, Allstate Field Vice President - Florida Region.

For the past five years, Allstate actuaries have conducted an in-depth analysis of company claim data to determine the likelihood drivers in Americas 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 whats happening on Americas roadways.

The Top Ten

Drivers from Sioux Falls maintained their status as the safest city in this years 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.
2. Fort Collins, Colo.
3. Chattanooga, Tenn.
4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
5. Knoxville, Tenn.
6. Fort Wayne, Ind.
7. Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
8. Eugene, Ore.
9. Boise, Idaho
10. Colorado Springs, Colo.