FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Alyson Herman
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900
WITH HURRICANE SEASON FAST APPROACHING
IT’S NOT JUST THE HIGH WINDS YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT
Survey shows people make poor choices when driving
through high waters brought on by hurricanes

MIAMI, Fla (June 16, 2003) -- Meteorologists are predicting an especially bad hurricane season, calling for as many as eight hurricanes and 12 named tropical storms. While everyone is aware of the damage high winds and the storm surge can cause, you might be surprised to know that according to the National Hurricane Center, inland flooding has accounted for more than half of all hurricane deaths in the past 30 years. One quarter of those deaths resulted from people drowning in their cars.

As deadly as inland flooding is, and as much damage as it can cause to people and their vehicles, Progressive (NYSE: PGR), one of the nation’s largest auto insurance groups, found in a recent survey of more than 1,000 people that many people still don’t practice safe driving habits when the water begins to rise.

* Ninety-two (92) percent admit to having driven through deep water.
* Nearly 20 percent think it would take at least three feet of water to cause a car to float away (only two feet of water can cause a car to float and, when this happens, thedriver loses all control and can be swept away by the water).
* Only 36 percent would choose to move to higher ground if their car were to stall while passing though deep water.
* A quarter would remain in a stranded car to wait for help and not attempt to restart the engine (though restarting may result in permanent damage to the engine, it is sometimes an option for getting to safety in desperate conditions)

“When a hurricane hits and the water starts rising, people sometimes make decisions that can put them in danger,” said Juan Andrade, claims general manager, Progressive. “According to our survey, an overwhelming number of drivers admit to having driven through deep water. We want to make sure people are aware of the risks to themselves and to their vehicles so that they can make more informed decisions.”

Progressive wants people to understand inland flooding poses serious dangers to you and your vehicle and offers these tips for staying safe.

* Avoid driving through standing water.

When you’re evacuating or returning following a storm, stay away from standing water on roads and in parking lots.

Take an alternate route. Water covered roads are prone to collapse.

* If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water…

Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take note of how deep the water is).

Drive SLOWLY and STEADILY through the water.

* Once you and your vehicle are out of deep water and are in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly to dry them.
* If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety (know, however, that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine).
* If you can’t restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON FOR HIGHER GROUND. If you are unable to get out of the vehicle safely, call 911.
* If your unattended vehicle becomes trapped in water that has covered the engine, don’t attempt to get in or start the engine.
* If you’re evacuating an area and are leaving a vehicle behind, be sure it’s not left in a low-lying area prone to flooding.

The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, comprises the nation's third largest auto insurance group and provides drivers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person service. The companies offer insurance by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies. The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, has headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio. More information can be found at progressive.com.