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Rio Grande Valley Drivers Ranked Safest in Texas in 2010 'Allstate America's Best Drivers Report'

The Allstate 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.

When compared to cities across the country, Brownsville ranked 36th, and McAllen ranked 46th.

The Allstate America's Best Drivers 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.

Below is a look at how other cities Texas finished:

       National Rank/City       Collision Likelihood      Average Years
                                Compared to National         Between
                                      Average              Collisions
    36. Brownsville               7.6% less likely                   10.8
    46. McAllen                  4.9 % less likely                   10.5
    57. Laredo                    2.5% less likely                   10.3
    65. Lubbock                   0.9% less likely                   10.1
    67. Amarillo                  0.3% less likely                   10.0
    77. El Paso                   2.2% more likely                    9.8
    90. Corpus Christi            4.4% more likely                    9.6
    125. Pasadena                15.3% more likely                    8.7
    132. Waco                    16.7% more likely                    8.6
    140. Fort Worth              19.2% more likely                    8.4
    155. Plano                   26.4% more likely                    7.9
    157. Grand Prairie           28.3% more likely                    7.8
    161. Houston                 29.5% more likely                    7.7
    163. San Antonio             30.2% more likely                    7.7
    168. Carrolton               33.5% more likely                    7.5
    170. Austin                  34.0% more likely                    7.5
    172. Mesquite                34.8% more likely                    7.4
    173. Dallas                  35.2% more likely                    7.4
    175. Arlington               35.4% more likely                    7.4
    176. Irving                  35.5% more likely                    7.4
    -----------                  -----------------                    ---
    181. Garland                 43.6% more likely                    7.0
    ------------                 -----------------                    ---

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 Brownsville Allstate Agent Rick Ortiz.

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 (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 more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products 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 Allstate®.

SOURCE Allstate