By ALISON LANGLEY Niagara Falls Review Updated 21 hours ago
Niagara Falls motorists aren't as safe as they were two years ago, according to a survey by an insurance company.
Allstate Canada on Tuesday released its third annual Ontario Safe Driving Study which measured collision rates of 45 Ontario communities.
Niagara Falls ranked 15th with an average of 4.1 collision claims per 100 cars from 2009 to 2011. In the previous study, which looked at collisions from 2007 to 2009, Niagara Falls ranked 9th.
Officials with both the Niagara Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police, however, say the study does not offer an accurate picture of the driving landscape of Niagara.
Only Allstate clients were included in the study and the figures were based on the owner of the vehicle, not the location where the collision occurred.
"Overall, in Niagara Falls and every other part of this region, collisions are down," said Det. Sgt. Cliff Priest, head of the Niagara Regional Police collision reconstruction unit.
Priest said he can't comment on how many collisions involved Allstate clients as that information is not included in NRP collision statistics.
The Niagara detachment of the OPP has the similar concerns over the validity of the study.
OPP Staff Sgt. Jan Idzenga said there has been a substantial decrease in the number of collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in Niagara.
So far this year, for example, there has been a 15.6% reduction in collisions on Niagara highways compared to the same time period in 2010.
"Whether you can read anything into this survey, one thing for sure is that if you are identified in an area where claim rates are high, you can bet this will be reflected in your (insurance) premiums," Idzenga said.
"That is all the more reason why drivers in Niagara have to start taking responsibility for their driving behaviour. Your behaviour has an overall impact on the community as everyone pays the price in insurance premiums."
The OPP reminds drivers to slow down, don't drink and drive, wear their seatbelts and stay off the phone while driving.
"It'll save you and everyone else in the long run, not only your life, but in your wallet as well," Idzenga added.
Priest agreed.
"Drive with care and caution," he said.
Meanwhile, St. Catharines ranked 14th in the Allstate study, compared to sixth in the previous study.
Brockville topped the list with an average of 2.4 collisions per 100 cars. Welland came in second with 2.95 collisions per 100 cars.
Bolton, Markham and Toronto had the highest collision rates in the province.
According to the study, Ontario's collision frequency rate had a 7% decrease between 2007-2009 and 2009-2011.
"We are pleased to see the overall decrease in Ontario's collision rate and hope to see this trend continue," said Tony Irwin, of Allstate Canada.
Irwin said the study is an opportunity to "shine a spotlight on what's happening on our roads and to kick-start a discussion between drivers, governments, police and other organizations about what makes a safe driver."
Only communities where Allstate Canada insured a minimum of 900 cars between 2009 and 2011 were ranked.
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