Drinking & Driving Can Create Holiday Tragedies on Arizona Roadways; 21st Century Insurance Urges Safe Driving with Seasonal Campaign

PHOENIX--Nov. 2, 20053, 2005--This holiday season is expected to be among the busiest on Arizona's roads. As Arizonans rush to check-off last-minute shopping lists and attend holiday parties, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and 21st Century Insurance urge motorists to remember the dangers of driving under the influence and reconsider the myths about drinking and driving.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 435 alcohol-related fatalities in 2004 in Arizona alone. Although this is the lowest number of drunk-driving deaths since 2000, this season offers an opportunity to continue this encouraging trend. However, this year's holiday calendar presents some cause for concern. Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's -- all busy travel days -- fall on weekends, which are typically worse for DUI accidents, injuries and deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"We're proud to partner with 21st Century Insurance to remind all motorists to drink responsibly," said Richard Fimbres, Director of the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "We all need to work together to keep our roads safe."

"The holidays are a time for parties and family gatherings, but all drivers should take extra care this season. Risking the lives of your friends, family, and fellow motorists by driving drunk is no way to celebrate," said Roger Vanderpool, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

"One way to reduce fatal traffic accidents is to not let common myths convince anyone that it's OK to get behind the wheel of a car after having a few drinks at a holiday party," said Joyce Prager, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations for 21st Century Insurance.

Common Alcohol Consumption Myths -- and Facts that Could Save Lives:

Myth: As long as party-goers stick to beer and wine, instead of
hard liquor, the intoxicating effects are minimized.
FACT: One 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. wine
cooler contain the same amount of alcohol as one 1/2 oz. of hard
liquor.

Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will show visible
signs of intoxication.
FACT: Physical appearance can be misleading. Just one drink can
impair one's ability to drive safely, because alcohol consumption
affects judgment and motor skills first.

Myth: Drinking coffee sobers up someone who has had too much to
drink.
FACT: Time is the only solution to intoxication. It takes
approximately one hour to oxidize each drink consumed.

In addition to knowing the facts about drunk driving, all party hosts have a responsibility to prevent friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related traffic accident statistic. Before the get-together, designate a driver or plan to use public transportation, and never allow guests to leave your party in the driver's seat if they have been drinking.

Motorists should also watch out for drunk drivers on the roads this holiday season. To spot a drunk driver, look for these warning signs: 1) driving well below the speed limit; 2) driving outside marked lanes, weaving and zigzagging across the roadway; 3) driving with headlights off at night; and/or 4) tailgating and erratic braking.

21st has also partnered with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to post billboards around the state encouraging drivers to be safe this holiday season. Ads in both English and Spanish feature lighthearted messages discussing a serious topic: safe and sober holiday driving. The ads include:

-- "Drive slowly. Reindeer Crossing." This ad features a picture of a young child dressed in a reindeer outfit to remind drivers to think about the safety of children while on the road this holiday.

-- "What two things don't go together?" An ad asking viewers to compare a car to a row of common holiday images -- including a holiday drink -- to deliver the message, "Don't drink and drive."

"We all have a responsibility to keep our roads as safe as they can be this holiday season," added Prager. "Let's work together to help keep this holiday season safe, memorable and tragedy-free."

Billboard Locations:

Phoenix: Washington West of 48th St; E. Main St. West of Ellsworth Rd.; I-10 east of 25th Ave; 27th Ave. south of Deer Valley Rd; 75th Ave South of Glendale.

About 21st: Good people to call

Founded in 1958, 21st Century Insurance Group is a direct-to-consumer provider of personal auto insurance. With $1.3 billion of revenue in 2004, the company insures over 1.5 million vehicles in California, Texas, Illinois and Arizona and five other states. 21st provides superior policy features and 24/7 customer service at a competitive price. Customers can purchase insurance, service their policy or report a claim at http://www.21st.com or on the phone with licensed insurance professionals at 1-800-211-SAVE. Service is offered in English and Spanish both on the phone and on the Web, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 21st Century Insurance Company and 21st Century Casualty Company are rated A+ by Standard & Poor's. 21st Century Insurance Company, 21st Century Casualty Company and 21st Century Insurance Company of the Southwest are rated A+ Fitch Ratings.

21st Century Insurance Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol TW and is headquartered at 21st Century Plaza, 6301 Owensmouth Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.