Texas Pedestrian Accidents Jump 23% During Halloween

Allstate Asks Texans to Avoid Texting While Treating

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On average, the number of
Texans hit by cars spikes 23.3% during Halloween week, according to Allstate
Insurance Company. The insurer recently looked at its Texas auto insurance
claims involving pedestrians over the past five years and found a dramatic
jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time. Last year, Allstate says its
number of claims involving pedestrians more than doubled over Halloween week
compared with the rest of 2008.

The Allstate data coincides with a report from the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety that found October 31 is the second highest pedestrian death
day of the year behind Fourth of July.

"Because this Halloween falls on a weekend, there may be even more kids and
cars on the road later at night, potentially creating an even more dangerous
situation," said Brent Walters, an Allstate agent in Beaumont. "Whether you're
behind the wheel or walking with your kids, it's critical to remain alert."

Allstate, the state's second largest auto insurer, says on average, it
receives 13.2 bodily injury claims involving pedestrians or bicyclists in
Texas during Halloween week, compared with an average of 10.7 a week during
the rest of the year.

Three Halloween Traffic Tips:

Don't Drink and Drive
If you are attending a Halloween party, designate a driver.

Don't Text and Drive
Focus on the road, not your cell phone. Neighborhoods that don't normally have
pedestrian or bicycle traffic may experience an increase in activity on
Halloween. Children are excited and may forget to stop, look and listen before
crossing the street.

Don't Text and Walk
Children and parents should focus on traffic and not texting when
trick-or-treating. Have an adult or an older, responsible youth supervise
children. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.

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®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help
more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare
for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services
through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive
financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via
www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

SOURCE The Allstate Corporation

Kristen Beaman, +1-972-871-6656, cell, +1-972-897-9629, for The Allstate
Corporation