L.A. Not Among 10 Worst-Driving Cities

Traffic, near-collisions and gridlock are all proof drives in Los Angeles aren't exactly for the faint of heart. But the often panic-inducing travels across town might be improving our skills on the road.

Los Angeles avoided a top-ten spot among the worst-driving cities across the nation, ranking 182 out of 193 areas on Allstate’s annual best drivers report this year, released Thursday (see accompanying report under photo.)

With L.A. at No. 12, the top 11 worst driving cities are:

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)

Allstate's report measures a city’s car collision frequency based on Allstate claim data. 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.

While auto crashes have declined over the years, crash fatalities still average more than 32,000 every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Allstate offers these tips to avoid a crash:

• 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 like fog and rain 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.