COLORADO SPRINGS - Colorado Springs drivers improved to the Top 10 on Allstate Insurance Company's fifth annual Allstate America's Best Drivers Report. Once again ranking second among Colorado drivers, Colorado Springs roadways are the tenth safest in the nation. According to the report, the average driver in Colorado Springs will experience an auto collision every 11.8 years.

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.

"Drivers in Colorado Springs are making great progress toward keeping America's roadways safer," said Christopher Lovest, Field Vice President for Allstate's West Central Region. "We salute Springs' 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 Drivers Report was created to facilitate an ongoing dialogue on safe driving that saves lives. Below is a look at how other cities in Colorado finished.

City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Compared to Nat'l Ave Average Years Btwn Collisions

2. Ft. Collins, CO -24.6% less likely 13.3

10. Colorado Springs, CO -15.0% less likely 11.8

47. Denver, CO -2.3% less likely 10.2

65. Aurora, CO 2.4% more likely 9.8

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," Lovest said.

Allstate offers the following safe driving tips motorists 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.

America's Most-Improved Driving City

Alexandria, VA topped the most improved chart improving its years between accidents by 1.8 years and climbed from the 194 spot in 2005 to 174 in 2009. Virginia drivers in general appear to observe the safety call. Five out of the top 10 most improved driving cities were in Virginia (Alexandria, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Richmond).

City & Overall Ranking 2005 - 2009 Increase in Years Between Accidents

174. Alexandria, Va. 1.8

9. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. 1.7

177. Arlington, Texas 1.6

40. Hampton, Va. 1.3

101. Virginia Beach, Va. 1.3

65. Aurora, Colo. 1.2

57. Chesapeake, Va. 1.2

11. Reno, Nev. 1.2

31. Richmond, Va. 1.2

100. Shreveport, La. 1.0

The Top 10

Drivers from Sioux Falls maintained their status as the safest city in this year's report for the fourth consecutive year. However, two new cities championed their way into the top 10, Eugene, OR and Boise, ID.

City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average Average Years Between Collisions

1. Sioux Falls, S.D. -26.1% less likely 13.5

2. Fort Collins, Colo. -24.6% less likely 13.3

3. Chattanooga, Tenn. -21.4% less likely 12.7

4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa -20.7% less likely 12.6

5. Knoxville, Tenn. -19.0% less likely 12.3

6. Fort Wayne, Ind. -18.4% less likely 12.2

7. Lexington-Fayette, Ky. -17.7% less likely 12.1

8. Eugene, Ore. -16.3% less likely 11.9

9. Boise, Ind. -15.4% less likely 11.8

10. Colorado Springs, Colo. -15.0% less likely 11.8

Additional "Road" Scholars

Drivers in the West are least likely than the national average to experience a collision. Eleven of the top 20 ranked cities were in the Midwest.

City & Overall Ranking Collision Likelihood Compared to National Average Average Years Between Collisions

2. Ft. Collins, CO -24.6% less likely 13.3

8. Eugene, OR -16.3% less likely 11.9

9. Boise, ID -15.4% less likely 11.8

10. Colorado Springs -15.0% less likely 11.8

11. Reno, NV -14.0% less likely 11.6

To discuss the Best Drivers report and share your thoughts on a city's ranking, log onto www.goodhandscommunity.org

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