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Milwaukee Ranks 42 on 2010 'Allstate America's Best Drivers Report(TM)'

Sixth Annual Study Reveals Cities with Safest Drivers

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 2 -- The Allstate Insurance Company today released its sixth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report(TM)." 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.

In the 2010 report, Milwaukee ranks as one of the safest driving cities, landing at number 42 on the list. According to the report, the average driver in Milwaukee will experience an auto collision every 10.6 years.

"Drivers in Milwaukee are making great progress toward keeping America's roadways safer," said London Bradley, Territory Sales Leader for Allstate's Wisconsin Territory. "We salute Milwaukee's best drivers and recognize their safe driving skills, which make all of our communities safer places to live, work and raise families."

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 cities in Wisconsin finished.

                          Collision Likelihood
                          Compared to National Average Years Between
   City & Overall Ranking        Average            Collisions
  Madison - Number 26      -10.0% less likely                    11.1
  Milwaukee -  Number 42   -6.0% less likely                     10.6
  -----------------------  -----------------                     ----

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 Bradley.

  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.

  The Report

For the past six 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 2007 to December 2008) 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 percent of all U.S. auto policies, making this report a realistic snapshot of what's happening on America's roadways.

To view the complete "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report," or to see previous year's results, log onto www.allstate.com.

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.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With AllstateŽ" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 AllstateŽ.

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.

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