Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report namesd Kansas City, Kansas, the city with America’s safest drivers. Based on Allstate claims data. In the report, Allstate also cites the worst cities in the United States for insuring cars.
The worst places to drive from 200 backwards are:
200. Boston, MA has an average of 3.6 years between accidents.
199. Baltimore, MD.
198. Worcester, MA.
197. Washington, D.C.
196. Springfield, MA.
195. Glendale, CA.
194. Providence, RI.
193. Los Angeles, CA.
192. New Haven, CT.
191. Phildelphia, PA.
190. Alexandria, VA.
This year’s three safest cities, Kansas City, Kansas; Brownsville, Texas; and Madison, Wisconsin, retain their places in the top three from last year’s report, with Kansas City jumping ahead of 2016’s winner, Brownsville, to earn the title of safest-driving city overall. The average Kansas City driver is about 32 percent less likely to experience a collision than the average U.S. driver.
Other highlights from the 2017 report include New York City’s significant improvement, rising 27 places from last year to the 116th spot overall, and Anchorage, Alaska’s, distinction as the most improved city, thanks to a 35-spot jump to number 34 this year.
Understanding the risks that can cause crashes and impact a city’s rank and drivers’ safety is critical. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, preventable human factors, like drunk, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding and failure to use safety features, contribute to 94 percent of car crashes. The IIHS found crashes happen more frequently on Saturdays, during certain holidays, like the Fourth of July, and between the hours of 3-7 p.m.ii
“With the improving economy and more driving, we’re unfortunately seeing more crashes and more crash deaths,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “Summer travel for vacations and recreation is often riskier than the daily commute. We hope this year’s Best Drivers Report encourages more people to buckle up, watch their speeds, avoid distractions and stay off the roads after drinking alcohol.”
The following are the 10 safest-driving cities, according to this year’s Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report:
|
City & Overall Ranking |
Average Years Between Collisions (National Average: 10) |
Collision Likelihood National Average |
|
1. Kansas City, Kansas |
14.9 |
32.8% less likely |
|
2. Brownsville, Texas |
14.5 |
30.9% less likely |
|
3. Madison, Wisconsin |
12.5 |
19.9% less likely |
|
4. Huntsville, Alabama |
12.4 |
19.4% less likely |
|
5. Cape Coral, Florida |
12.2 |
18.1% less likely |
|
6. Boise, Idaho |
12 |
16.9% less likely |
|
7. Laredo, Texas |
12 |
16.8% less likely |
|
8. Port St. Lucie, Florida |
12 |
16.7% less likely |
|
9. McAllen, Texas |
11.8 |
15.2% less likely |
|
10. Olathe, Kansas |
11.8 |
15.1% less likely |
For the third straight year, the Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report also analyzes the correlation between collisions and hard-braking events in more than 100 cities, using data collected by Allstate’s Drivewise offering, an innovative technology that enables consumers to monitor their driving habits to improve safety and gain rewards on their insurance.
A hard-braking event is defined as slowing down eight miles per hour or more over a one-second period. According to Drivewise data, nationally, the average American driver will experience approximately 19 hard-braking events for every 1,000 miles driven. Allstate found a correlation between hard-braking and collision frequency. Drivers in cities with fewer hard-braking events per 1,000 miles also tend to have fewer auto property damage claims.
The 2017 Best Drivers Report found drivers in the following cities experience the fewest hard-braking events per 1,000 miles:
|
Cities with the Fewest Hard-Braking Events per 1,000 Miles |
|
|
Kansas City, KS |
9.9 |
|
Madison, WI |
9.9 |
|
Mobile, AL |
11.9 |
|
Wichita, KS |
12.0 |
|
Anchorage, AK |
12.1 |
IIHS found July and August are the deadliest months on the road, with each averaging 116 deaths a day So this summer, along with its Best Drivers Report, Allstate is launching a new safe-driving campaign to heighten awareness of this community issue and urge people to stay alert while driving. The National Safety Council estimates more than 40,000 people died in car crashes in 2016, making it potentially the most dangerous driving year since 2007
Visit Allstate.com/BestDriversReport for an interactive map and full results for this year, as well as collision-frequency rankings in previous years’ reports.
Allstate and the IIHS recommend the following tips as you head out this summer. By collectively taking these precautions, drivers can help keep themselves and their communities in good hands, whether on busy highways or neighborhood streets:
- Eliminate distractions, including electronic devices, to ensure you’re fully prepared to stop.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits.
- Be aware of road conditions.
- Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicles in front of you.
- Maintain your vehicle, so it’s prepared for extreme situations.
As mobility preferences shift, consumers should re-evaluate their auto insurance needs and options. One consideration is usage-based insurance. UBI examines driving habits (miles driven, speed, time of day and other factors) to determine insurance costs. Less than half of Americans are aware of UBI as an option and only about 6 percent are using the product. Yet, when offered UBI as an option, half of American drivers make the switch.
Insure U’s new DriveCheck tool takes consumers through a few quick questions about driving habits while providing more information about how UBI works. At the end, users receive an assessment of the likelihood they will benefit from UBI.
Consumers then should discuss usage-based insurance with their insurance agent. If a provider doesn’t offer UBI, chances are they will in the future. Consumers interested in UBI can shop around to find an insurance company who can answer questions and provide a quote.
Usage-based insurance isn’t for everyone. However, all drivers should review their auto insurance policies from time to time.
- If UBI isn’t for you, talk to your insurer to determine if there are other cost-saving opportunities. Discounts may be available for multiple vehicles, driver education courses, good student, safety devices, anti-theft devices, low mileage, good driver/renewal, auto/home package and dividends.
- If a friend or roommate borrows your car from time to time, talk to your agent to see if you are covered in case the borrower gets in an accident. If you’re considering contracting as an Uber or Lyft driver, make sure you understand the insurance implications.