Annual Quebec Safe Driving Study reveals an overall decrease in terms of collision rates for second year in a row, but drivers should still beware of winter weather conditions and most common types of collision
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The fourth annual Allstate Insurance Company of Canada Quebec Safe Driving Study, released today, reveals that the communities it serves saw an overall decrease in collisions of 4.7 per cent (from 8.49 per cent to 8.09 per cent) since the previous period. This is an encouraging trend, also seen in industry reports, suggesting that Quebec drivers may be becoming safer drivers - even during periods of difficult weather conditions and heavy traffic.
"Allstate is pleased to see the overall decrease in Quebec's collision rate and we hope to see the trend toward safer communities continue, but we also want drivers to remember to be mindful of weather conditions and always exercise additional caution when in high-traffic areas." says Patrizia D'Ignazio, Allstate Agency Manager. "Each year, the Safe Driving Studies examine Allstate collision data to identify important developments in driving. We feel it's essential to share our findings to bring attention to road safety and encourage conversation about what it means to be a safe driver."
While the study data is not able to single out any specific reason as to why collisions may be on the decline in the province, varying factors, such as winter tire legislation, increased awareness of the impact of distracted driving or increased police activity, may contribute to the lower rate of claims. Even with the collision data showing a decrease across communities, Quebecers should still be aware of when accidents are most likely to happen. According to Allstate's data, the three most common types of collisions are those that involve parked vehicles (22 per cent), crashes that occur while turning or passing through intersections (19 per cent) and vehicles being rear-ended (19 per cent).
"As collisions involving parked vehicles were the most-common in the most updated data, we encourage drivers to consider using extra caution while driving in busy areas. Be vigilant about signaling to indicate your turn at an intersection, particularly as the second most-common type of collision in this year's study involved turning and intersections." adds Patrizia D'Ignazio.
Drivers, Beware of the First Snowstorm of the Season
In the winter, drivers must adapt their driving to changing weather and road conditions by reducing speed when visibility is compromised due to darkness, fog, rain or snow, or when roads are slippery or not completely cleared.
Quebec drivers are often caught off guard when the first snow storm of the season hits and it raises the risk of collisions significantly. According to Allstate Canada's Quebec Safe Driving Study data, the worst collision days are highly driven by weather. As such, it's no surprise that the highest collision frequency day in 2016 so far has been Wednesday, January 27, when a powerful blizzard paralyzed the East Coast of North America. Consequently, January 2016 ranked as the month with the most collisions during the year with a 10.3 per cent collision frequency rate in the province.
Interestingly, in the 2015 Quebec Safe Driving Study, December 22nd had been identified as the day with the highest collision frequency in the province based on 10 years of data (from 2005 to 2015). But weather played a big role in road safety over the last year. Quebec saw its first 'green' holiday season in December in almost a decade. According to Allstate's data, December 22 was the date with the fewest collision claims in 2015.
Winter Driving Safety Tips for Drivers
Regardless of whether Quebec has a green holiday season or not, drivers still need to be prepared for the first snow storm. Here are a few tips to help stay safe on the roads this winter.
About the Study
Allstate Canada conducted an in-depth analysis of company collision claims data to determine the safest Quebec communities based on the frequency of collisions. The study spans a 24-month period beginning July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2016. It also offers a comparison to data from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014. Collision frequency refers to a percentage of vehicles insured by Allstate Canada involved in a collision that resulted in a claim.
To ensure the data provides a realistic outlook for what is happening on roadways, only communities with at least 1,500 cars insured by Allstate Canada during the 24-month period were included in the study. The Allstate Safe Driving Study began in Ontario in 2007 and has since expanded to include communities in Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This year, a total of 107 communities were included.
Claims data is limited to collisions for which there was a payout. Claims for incidents such as break-ins or vandalism are not included in this analysis. Two-year periods were chosen to provide a larger sample for more meaningful analysis. Survey data ranks frequency of collisions, not severity of accident. Collision data can be traced back to the registered car address. The study itself does not include personally identifying information of Allstate customers.
For more detailed results, as well as our "Safest Quebec Community" ranking, please click here.
For an Infographic on safe driving tips, please click here.
Attention Editors: Another study from Allstate Canada looking at collision data from customers in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia can be found here.
About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country's leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, including usage-based insurance, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in "Good Hands®" as well as its employees, and has been listed as a Best Employer in Canada for five years in a row. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as the Old Brewery Mission, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way, and Junior Achievement. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca. For more safety tips and advice, visit goodhandsadvice.ca.
SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Image with caption: "Allstate Canada Safe Driving Study 2016 (CNW Group/Allstate Insurance Company of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161130_C4196_PHOTO_EN_828057.jpg
Alida Alepian, Capital-Image on behalf of Allstate Canada, T: 514-739-1188, ext. 239, E: [email protected]; Anna Weigt-Bienzle, Senior Communications Specialist, Public Relations, Corporate Relations, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, T: 905.475.4527, E: [email protected]
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