Allstate Hosts Second Annual Motorcycle "Great Ride Giveaway" FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., May 19
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are feeling the
pinch this season as they fill up at local gas stations. With prices creeping
near $4.00 a gallon, motorists are realizing the economic benefits of
traveling on two wheels instead of four. According to the National
Transportation Safety Board, more than 6 million motorcycles are registered
throughout the country, compared to about 4 million only ten years ago.
There are many reasons for the rapid rise in motorcycle popularity, but
recent numbers suggest that fuel economy may be a growing factor. In 2006, The
U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Statistics reported that
passenger cars averaged 22.4 miles traveled per gallon of gas, compared to a
whopping 56.1 average miles traveled per gallon for motorcycles. For that same
year, passenger cars consumed an average of 554 gallons of gas, while the
average annual fuel consumption for motorcycles checked in at only 33 gallons.
"Riders love their motorcycles for a variety of reasons, and we're seeing
more of them on the road as the weather gets warmer," says Luci Little, North
Central Regional Sales Leader for Allstate. "Gas prices may be a persuasive
factor for more people to ride motorcycles and stretch their fuel dollars."
"Great Ride Giveaway"
In homage to motorcycle buffs and in conjunction with Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month in May, Allstate's North Central Region is hosting the second
annual "Great Ride Giveaway." One lucky winner from Michigan, Ohio and Indiana
will each win $5,000 towards the purchase of a motorcycle and/or accessories.
Consumers can stop by participating dealerships in the three states to
register for the drawing. Entries are being accepted now through August 15,
with state winners being selected on August 22. Not a grand prize winner? Two
additional lucky gear heads from each dealership will win either a $200 dealer
certificate for second place or a $100 dealer certificate for third place
(rules and regulations available at all participating dealerships.)
"For the cycle riders looking to upgrade, add or start their collection,
the 'Great Ride Giveaway' is a fun way to celebrate Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month while saving dollars at the pump," adds Little. "It also
brings top of mind the importance of safe driving behind the wheel of a
motorcycle."
Get Your Motor Running With Smart Safety Tips
Due to their size, motorcycles can be overlooked in traffic, often
resulting in injury or even death. Allstate and the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), which sponsors National
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, recommend the following safety
measures for all riders:
-- NEVER mix alcohol and motorcycles: In 2006, NHTSA reports 27 percent
of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had blood-alcohol
levels of more than 0.08 (the national definition of driving drunk).
And on weekend nights, 59 percent of motorcycle operators who died in
single-vehicle crashes had blood-alcohol levels of 0.08 or higher.
-- Make yourself visible: Choose protective gear that will increase your
visibility in addition to providing protection in the event of a
crash. Wear bright colors that make you more visible and, if riding at
night, wear clothing with retro-reflective materials.
-- Ride where you can be seen: Remember that there is no one safe place
to ride. Use lane positioning to your advantage to be seen and to
provide extra space for emergency braking situations or avoidance
maneuvers. Avoid the driver's blind spots. Make your lane moves
gradually, and always signal your intentions.
-- Wear a helmet: It is estimated that wearing a helmet improves your
odds of surviving a crash by 37 percent.
-- Clearly signal your intentions to other drivers: Signal before
changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
-- Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver: When you're driving in the
vicinity of a motorcycle, predict evasive actions the cyclist may take
to avoid potholes or debris in the roadway. Always allow plenty of
space between your car and a motorcycle.
Whether you're a "Great Ride Giveaway" winner, new rider or veteran
motorcyclist, safe riding and appropriate bike coverage go hand-in-hand before
rolling out on the road. Allstate recommends the following coverages for
consumers:
-- Liability Coverage: Helps protect you for damages to others if you're
at fault in a covered accident.
-- Guest Passenger Liability Coverage: Helps protect you for bodily
injury to a passenger on your motorcycle, if you're at fault in a
covered accident.
-- Medical Payments Coverage: Provides payment for reasonable and
necessary medical treatment for you or another insured person after a
covered accident.
-- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Coverage: Protects you for covered
damage caused by drivers who do not have insurance or do not carry
enough insurance.
Plus, you may save up to 40 percent off the standard premium if you:
-- Have a homeowners, condominium or auto policy with Allstate
-- Have had motorcycle insurance with another company within the last 30
days
-- Are a good rider (no accidents, no major violations, no comprehensive
losses and no more than one minor violation in the last 60 months)
-- Are a member of a motorcycle organization
-- Own more than one motorcycle
-- Have completed a motorcycle safety foundation course
To ensure you'll enjoy the freedom of riding the open road for many years
to come, take some important steps today to protect your safety, your vehicle
and your peace of mind. For more information on motorcycle riding safety tips,
state laws, and course information please visit the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation: http://msf-usa.org. For learn more about Allstate's motorcycle
coverage, upcoming events and other information, please visit
www.allstategarage.com.
About the Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held
personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With
Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million
households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow
through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives
in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services
such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or
in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(R) and
Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold
exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides
life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking
and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite
customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent
agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.
SOURCE Allstate Corporation
