A study released by Allstate Insurance Company found the Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton metro area is among the least deadly American cities for teen drivers.

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The “Allstate America’s Teen Driving Hotspots” study ranked Portland 43rd out of 50 cities surveyed for the report.

The study, which reviewed 2000-2006 federal crash statistics and Allstate claims data on teen driving fatalities, found that for every 100,000 teen drivers on Portland roadways, 16.8 will be in a fatal crash. That’s lower than the Oregon state average of 24.7 fatalities per 100,000 teen drivers.

”Even one fatality is too high,” said Michelle Lee, Allstate Northwest Region Field Vice President. “But we are gratified that our efforts are working in Seattle to educate parents and teens about safe driving.”

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Portland’s urban driving environment works in its favor, according to the survey. Fatal crash rates for teens are double in rural areas compared to cities and suburbs. In Oregon, the per capita fatality rate among rural teen drivers is 44.2, compared with 18.8 in metro areas of the state.

In 38.8 percent of the fatal crashes involving teens in the Portland area, speeding was cited as a factor.

“While some cities post better scores than others, it’s time our entire nation acts against this public health crisis, which claims about 6,000 teen lives every year,” Lee said. “Oregon has taken great strides in promoting driver safety with mandatory seat belt laws and graduated drivers licenses. And parents should start talking to their teens – even before they get behind the wheel – about smart driving decisions, while setting a good example through their own good driving behavior.”

The 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

The 100 days beginning with Memorial Day and ending with Labor Day are historically the most deadly for teens behind the wheel. To help teens stay safe through prom, graduation, the summer and beyond, parents should initiate a conversation about smart driving, according to Allstate.

This conversation can include completion of a Parent-Teen Driving Contract, which helps set guidelines for smart driving and consequences for not living up to those expectations. Parents and teens can fill out the interactive contract – setting their own expectations and consequences – online at www.allstate.com\teen.