NORTHBROOK, Illinois, Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Four of the country’s top 10 safest cities for driving in wet weather are in Texas, according to the 2018 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report®ⁱ. With large swaths of the Southern United States in store for a wetter-than-average winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationⁱⁱ, those rankings could be put to the test during the holiday travel season and beyond.

This second installment of the 2018 America’s Best Drivers Report, announced today, ranks the country’s largest 200 cities to determine which have the safest drivers when precipitation is part of the equation. This year’s top spot goes to Brownsville, Texas, reclaiming the honor from two years ago after dropping to second last year.

“You may be surprised to know that even in warmer climates, winter weather can create dangerous driving conditions, making it more important than ever to be vigilant behind the wheel and aware of how rain and snow can impact roads,” said Ken Rosen, Allstate’s chief claims officer. “Allstate releases the America’s Best Drivers Report each year to draw attention to the critical community issue of safe driving. By celebrating the safest driving cities and lending a hand in bottom-ranked cities, we want to help Americans protect themselves before they get on the roads this holiday season – and ultimately help save lives.”

These precipitation rankings are an extension of the standard America’s Best Drivers Report, released in August. To determine the precipitation factor, Allstate researchers use a predictive model that standardizes the rankings to account for the fact that weather conditions vary dramatically across the United States and affect roadway safety. Allstate is recognizing the top-performing cities in rain or snow and offering tips to help people across the country drive safely.

The top 10 safest-driving cities when precipitation is factored with collision frequency:

NOAA predicts a 70 to 75 percent chance of El Niño developing – making for a wet winter along the southern tip of the U.S. and into the Mid-Atlantic region. Warmer, drier conditions are anticipated for much of the northern and western parts of the country.

The biggest improvements and declines when precipitation is factored with collision frequency:

“NOAA’s annual winter weather outlook helps Americans to prepare for the possible dangers of the season and take precautions with their families and homes,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “A weak El Niño is anticipated to develop, and it may impact the winter season by bringing wetter conditions across parts of the southern United States, and warmer, drier conditions in parts of the North.”

It’s even more important to give yourself enough time to stop when roads are wet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, braking distance on wet roads increases 27 percent versus stopping on dry roads when traveling at 55 mph^iv – and that number increases when rain turns to snow or ice. Drivers can prepare for winter weather conditions by monitoring their driving with innovative telematics programs like Allstate’s Drivewise^®, which Allstate uses to study the correlation between collisions and hard-braking events. Hard-braking events are defined as slowing down by 8 mph or more per second and can indicate unsafe driving behaviors, such as following too closely, or aggressive or distracted driving.

Here are other safety tips to help prevent a collision this holiday travel season and beyond:

• Do a systems check: Make sure your headlights and brake lights work, and check tires, heater, defroster, brakes, windshield wipers and windshield washer fluid level.
• Use an alternate route: Don’t drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots – it can stall your engine.
• Take it easy: Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. Increasing following distance, traveling at slower speeds and accounting for extra stopping time will help avoid collisions.
• Stay alert: Give the road your undivided attention. That’s especially important with slick streets and other potentially dangerous conditions.
• Don’t panic: If your vehicle begins to slide or skid, don’t slam on the brakes. Look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer that way. Release the accelerator until traction returns.
• Have an emergency kit: Gloves, boots, blankets, flares, water, jumper cables, a flashlight and something for traction – like sand or cat litter – could all come in handy if a problem arises.
• Download Drivewise: Free to any consumer, Drivewise provides personalized, real-time driving feedback – such as how many hard-braking events you have – and allows you to earn rewards for safe driving.

In the 14th year of the America’s Best Drivers Report, Allstate is bringing attention to the critical community issue of safe driving in a new way. Allstate is encouraging youth to flip the script and take charge of this important conversation by advocating for safe driving among their parents, role models and friends.

To join the conversation, like and share the new Good Driving Starts Young Facebook page. And for more safe driving tips, check out The Allstate Blog.

ⁱThe Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report^® is the result of an in-depth examination of company claims data to determine the likelihood that drivers in America’s 200 largest cities will experience a vehicle collision compared to the national average. According to Allstate claims data, the average driver in the U.S. will experience one collision every 10 years. This year, Allstate researchers analyzed property damage claims reported during the two-year period of January 2015 to December 2016. The report uses U.S. Census Bureau data to determine America’s 200 largest cities and defines a collision as any auto crash resulting in a property damage claim. Hard-braking data is based on customers voluntarily enrolled in Allstate’s Drivewise^® telematics program from 2015-2016. A number of cities, and their surrounding suburbs, in the full 200 Best Drivers’ rankings are excluded from hard-braking analysis due to limited measurable Drivewise data, or because Drivewise was not available (California, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas). Allstate’s auto policies represent nearly 10 percent of all U.S. auto policies, making this report a realistic snapshot of what’s happening on America’s roadways. The Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report^® is produced solely to boost the country’s discussion about safe driving and to increase awareness of the importance of being safe and attentive behind the wheel. The report is not used to determine auto insurance rates.

ⁱⁱNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Winter Outlook favors warmer temperatures for much of U.S.

ⁱⁱⁱ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Data Tools: 1981-2010 Normals. The method used for all cities is to utilize the weather data from the station closest to the city center.

^ivNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safety in Numbers Newsletter: August 2015.

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SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2019 Honda CR-V begins arriving at Honda dealerships today as CR-V continues its 21-year lead as the top-selling CUV in America. Featuring a new Platinum White Pearl exterior color, the 2019 CR-V carries forward all the elements that have made it a perennial favorite of American car buyers with the ideal blend of performance, versatility, efficiency and refinement.    

2019 CR-V pricing starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP¹) of $24,350 for the LX with two-wheel drive and $25,750 for the LX with all-wheel-drive (excluding $995 destination and handling). Recognizing its all around excellence, the CR-V is a recipient of Car and Driver‘s “Editor’s Choice Awards,” Edmunds’ “2018 Buyers Most Wanted Award,” and Autoweb‘s “2018 Buyer’s Choice Awards” for the best utility vehicle and small SUV of the year categories.

In EX and above trims, the 2019 CR-V is powered by a 190-horsepower (SAE net) 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with VTEC^® valvetrain, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic. CR-V LX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC, direct-injected in-line 4-cylinder i-VTEC^® engine also paired with a CVT, rated at 184 horsepower (SAE net).

2019 CR-V Trims, MSRP & EPA Ratings

This year’s model offers Platinum White Pearl as a replacement for White Diamond Pearl, one of 10 color choices for the family-friendly, fun-to-drive CR-V. The other exterior colors include: Gunmetal Metallic, Sandstorm Metallic, Molten Lava Pearl, Dark Olive Metallic, Basque Red Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic.

Similar to other Honda models, the 2019 CR-V offers available premium features including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, SiriusXM^®, HD Radio™ and Pandora^® capabilities for a more convenient in-vehicle experience. CR-V continues to lead the compact CUV segment with not only advanced features but also a comfortable environment with its spacious cabin, flexible cargo area and best-in-class rear seat legroom. 

The 2019 CR-V offers Honda Sensing^® as standard equipment on EX and higher trims, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional driver-assistive technologies include the available Blind Spot Information, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High-Beam headlights.

The 2019 Honda CR-V is manufactured by five Honda plants using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including East Liberty and Marysville, Ohio; Greenburg, Indiana; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and the Yorii Plant in Saitama, Japan.

More Information
For more in-depth information, plus video and high-resolution images, please visit www.hondanews.com/channels/cr-v. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/cr-v.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. 

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2017, more than 90 percent of all Honda brand vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. 

¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $995 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² Based on 2019 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Shortly after its launch this past summer, Kia Motors America’s (KMA) all-new 2019 Forte is being lauded for its exceptional value when named a winner at the first Southwest Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards held recently at the Bondurant Racing School outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Local media in attendance rated the Forte “Best Value” in the car category after real-world evaluations, while the all-new compact sedan wowed them with its Stinger-inspired design and improved driving dynamics.

“We’re honored that the Forte took the win for best value at the very first Southwest Lifestyle Vehicle Awards,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “The previous Forte was already one of our top-sellers, and the new 2019 Forte is poised to continue being a crowd favorite thanks to its sporty design, upscale interior, available premium features, fun-to-drive attitude, and most importantly, incredible value. The Forte proves that affordable compact cars don’t have to be boring commuter cars.”

For the 2019 model year, the Forte evolves into a more refined compact sedan with head-turning style, improved efficiency¹ in a variety of conditions, and an impressive roster of available technology. Offered in four trims – FE, LXS, S, and EX – the Forte starts at $17,690².

“The Kia Forte was really a standout in the Car of the Year field. It’s stylish, efficient, fun to drive, and comes with premium tech and safety features that you’d expect in a car costing thousands more,” said Becky Antioco, event director and founder of Southwest Lifestyle Media. “It really is a ‘Best Value’ in every sense and it exceeded our journalists’ expectations in almost every category.”

The Forte is powered by a 147-HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed automatic transmission or Kia’s first in-house designed and built Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). A number of Kia Drive Wise technology features are standard on all Forte trims including the newly added Driver Attention Warning system (DAW)³, and all Fortes get an 8-inch color touchscreen⁴ with support for Android Auto™⁵ and Apple CarPlay^®6. Premium amenities such as a Harman/Kardon⁷ audio system complete with Clari-Fi⁸ are available.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand.  Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (S, EX, SX and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Forte EPA estimated MPG (city/highway/combined): FE trim with manual transmission – 27/37/31; FE with IVT transmission – 31/41/35; LXS, S, and EX trims – 30/40/34. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s maintenance.
² MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary
³ Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
⁴ Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
⁵ Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
⁶ CarPlay™ is a trademark of Apple Inc. Requires a compatible Apple device sold separately. Apple CarPlay™ runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Data plan rates apply.
⁷ Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
⁸ Clari-Fi is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

IRVINE, California, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the addition of Drew Cary to its marketing team as senior manager, brand communications.

Cary joins Mazda from Edelman, where he served as the lead on Volkswagen USA’s experiential marketing team, responsible for developing integrated editorial and content strategies to build brand advocacy and raise awareness of volume vehicles through motorsport, brand partners and enthusiast events. In 2016, Cary spent twelve months in Brazil as a Daniel J. Edelman Global Fellow, expanding his experience with global campaigns and Olympic programming. Prior to Edelman, Cary was at Ketchum in Los Angeles, supporting corporate and product announcements with Hyundai Motor Company and McLaren Automotive.

In his new position, Cary is responsible for managing Mazda’s internal and external communications, social media and CSR efforts. He will report directly to Emily Taylor, director, communications and experiential marketing, and will be based in MNAO’s corporate headquarters in Irvine, California. For media inquiries, he can be reached at 949-727-6525 and [email protected].

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations