Allstate Corp. has retracted a press release that was meant to be a joke, displaying the accident rates of drivers according to their zodiac signs.
“We recently issued a press release on zodiac signs and accident rates, which led to some confusion around whether astrological signs are part of the underwriting process,” said the insurer, in its retraction. “Astrological signs have absolutely no role in how we base coverage and set rates.”
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The insurance company’s original press release claimed that Scorpios, who have a “perfectionist nature,” were the best at defensive driving in 2010, because they were involved in only 26,833 accidents. Virgos on the other hand, which Allstate characterized as “worried and shy,” were involved with 211,650 accidents, making them the worst offenders, according to the company.
“Over the past year, Virgos were nearly 700% more likely to be in a car accident when compared to the determined and aware Scorpio,” said the original press release, which described Scorpios as having “overly cautious and timid driving habits.”
The press release was apparently inspired by recent revisions to the zodiac calendar, which changed the range of birth dates for the different signs. Allstate declared Opiuchus, the new sign added for people born Nov. 29 to Dec. 17, to be the second-safest group of drivers.
The data that Allstate used was real, based on the birthdays of customers actually involved in accidents. But the company’s conclusion was tongue in cheek.
“Rating by astrology would not be actuarially sound,” said Allstate, in its retraction. “We realized that our hard working customers view their insurance expense very seriously. So do we.”
So, by zodiac sign, how many auto accidents did Allstate clients have in 2010?
SCORPIO – 26,833
OPHIUCHUS – 83,234
CANCER – 101.539
AQUARIUS – 106,878
LIBRA – 110,592
ARIES – 112,402
CAPRICORN – 128,005
GEMINI – 136,904
SAGITTARIUS – 154,477
PISCES – 172,030
TAURUS – 177,503
LEO – 179,657
VIRGO – 211,650
Virgos, known for being practical, industrious and perfectionists, are also, apparently … the WORST DRIVERS ON THE ROAD!
“Would you like a ride home?”
“Well, what’s your sign?
“Virgo.”
“Uh, no thanks, I’ll walk.”
Until Next Time,
William Sims
ASenseOfHumorDriving.com
7920 Glenview Drive
Richland Hills, TX 76180
817-577-8854
Joke Of The Day:
A police officer stopped a car which was zigzagging alarmingly and asked the driver what he was doing.
Driver: “I am learning to drive.”
Officer: What? Without an instructor?”
Driver: “Oh yes. It’s a correspondence course.”
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