L.A. Not Among 10 Worst-Driving Cities

Traffic in the Los Angeles area has given our region a bad rep—but maybe all that driving is turning us into better drivers.

After all, Los Angeles ranked as 182 out of 193 areas on Allstate’s annual best drivers report this year, which was released Thursday (see accompanying report under photo.)

That means, if we ranked the worst drivers (and turned that list upside down), L.A. would be No. 12. And the top 11 worst driving cities would be:

1. Washington, D.C. (No. 193)
2. Baltimore, MD (No. 192)
3. Glendale, CA (No. 191)
4. Newark, NJ (No. 190)
5. Providence, RI (No. 189)
6. Philadelphia (No. 188)
7. Hartford, CT (No. 187)
8. Jersey City, NJ (No. 186)
9. San Francisco, CA (No. 185)
10. Alexandria, VA (No. 184)
11. Hialeah, FL (No. 183)

The Allstate report measures a city’s car collision frequency based on Allstate claim data, according to the company. The safest-driving city in the report was Fort Collins, CO.

"Allstate's best driver's report was created to boost the country's discussion on safe driving. Each year we hope the report will increase awareness on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche, executive vice president of Allstate's Claim Organization, in a statement Thursday.

Nationwide, Allstate reported that car crashes have declined over the last few years. But fatal accidents still average more than 32,000 every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Human behavior is the biggest cause of accidents," Roche said.

To avoid a crash, Allstate offered these driving tips:

• Engaging in any other activity while driving—such as talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup—is a distraction.
• Weather conditions require extra caution and slower speeds.
• 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. 
• 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.
• Ultimately, safety also depends on the maintenance of your car. Ensure that your car brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery and hoses are in good working order.