Every year for the past eight years, Allstate has released a report using internal data to determine how likely the drivers in the largest cities in America will be involved in a car crash. Los Angeles is 49.3% more likely than the national average to be involved in a collision. The average number of years between collisions for Los Angeles drivers is 6.7 years, the same as last year. Los Angeles moved up from 182nd last year to 181st this year on the list of ‘safest’ cities. The annual list looks at the largest 200 cities in America.
Visalia, California cracked the top 10 (jumping 16 spots), with an average of 12.3 years between collisions, 18.5% less likely than the national average. Phoenix, Arizona was the top city with more than 1 million people. Phoenix drivers are 2% more likely than the national average to be involved in a collision, with an average of 9.8 years between crashes.
Glendale took dishonors as being the lowest ranking California city on the list. Glendale drivers are 75.6% more likely than the national average to be in a crash, with an average of 5.7 years between accidents.
Allstate offers some tips for safe driving in both larger cities and smaller cities.
For larger cities,
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Stop-and-go traffic, gridlock, traffic signal stops, pedestrian walkways and events that create traffic detours can add time to your travel.
- Know what’s happening in the city during the time you’re driving. Find out if there are events that may impact traffic, and listen to traffic reports on your car radio. Avoid traffic jams or explore alternative routes, if possible.
- Stay alert. Be prepared to frequently stop or slow down for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, parking cars, taxi cabs, and public transportation vehicles such as city buses.
- Get directions to where you’re going. Review directions carefully in advance. If you get lost mid-trip, safely pull over and wait until you feel calm enough to get back on the road, using that time to get directions, check traffic or call for help.
For smaller cities,
- Watch the speed limit. Speed limits may be greater than in city traffic, which can lead some drivers to speed up and make roads dangerous.
- Look out for pedestrians, especially children. While there are typically fewer pedestrians or obstacles than in large metropolitan areas, there are also typically fewer crosswalks, so pedestrians may be less aware of traffic rules such as where and when to cross the street.
- Know the rules of the road. Suburban streets typically have fewer streetlights and signs, or greater distance between lights and signs. This means darker conditions when driving at night and less opportunity to be reminded of speed limits and other road rules throughout the day.
- Keep a safe distance – especially around large vehicles. Large vehicles like semi-trucks are more likely found on suburban roads than in large metro areas. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and know that truck drivers might have limited visibility. If you attempt to pass a truck, make sure you have plenty of time and space to maneuver safely.
See the Allstate press release. See the report here.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at (800) 333-0000 for a free consultation.
