Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2009 --- 10:55 a.m.

From Allstate Insurance Company:

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill, July 8, 2009 - Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL) today 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's report highlights America's most improved motorists.

This year, Madison ranks as the top Wisconsin community and one of the nation's safest driving cities, landing at number 13 on the national list.

That's an improvement from the 31st spot on last year's Best Driver's report.

According to this year's report, the average driver in Madison will experience an auto collision every 11.6 years - an accident likelihood figure of 13.5% below the national average.

"Drivers in Madison are making great progress toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Alice Byrne, Field Vice President for Allstate's Midwest Region. We salute Madison'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. Below is a look at how other's city in Wisconsin finished.

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 the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," Byrne added.

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 ten 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 five 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 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 what's happening on America's roadways.