Drunk Driving Myths Still Persist; 21st Century Insurance Encourages Safe Holiday Driving and Posts ``Drive Sober'' Billboards.

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. -- This holiday season is expected to be among the busiest ever on California's roads. As Californians rush to check-off last-minute shopping lists, attend holiday parties and plan family trips, 21st Century Insurance (NYSE:TW) is urging motorists to remember the dangers of driving under the influence and reconsider the myths they may have learned about drinking and driving.

2004 has already been a tragic year on California's roads. The California Highway Patrol has already reported 944 DUI fatalities this year; which puts the state on track to set a five-year high for drunk-driving deaths. The holiday calendar this year presents further cause for concern. Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years, all busy travel days, fall on weekends, which are typically worse for DUI accidents, injuries, and deaths.

"The holidays are a time for parties and family gatherings, but all drivers should take extra care this season. Risking the lives of your friends, family, and fellow motorists by driving drunk is no way to celebrate," said Joyce Prager, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations for 21st Century Insurance.

One way to reduce fatal car accidents is to not let common myths about drunk driving convince anyone to get behind the wheel of a car after a holiday party that includes alcohol consumption. Common misconceptions about drinking and driving include:

Myth: As long as party-goers stick to beer and wine, instead of hard liquor, the intoxicating effects are minimized.

Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 1/2 oz. of hard liquor.

Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will show visible signs of intoxication.

Fact: Physical appearance can be misleading. Just one drink can impair one's ability to drive safely, because judgment and motor skills are the first things affected by alcohol consumption.

Myth: Drinking coffee sobers up someone who has had too much to drink.

Fact: Time is the only solution to intoxication. It takes approximately one hour to oxidize each drink consumed.

In addition to knowing the facts about drunk driving, all party hosts have a responsibility to prevent friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related traffic-accident statistic. Before the get-together, designate a driver or plan to use public transportation, and never allow a guest to leave your party in the driver's seat if he or she has been drinking.

Motorists should also watch out for drunk drivers on the roads this holiday season. To spot a drunk driver, look for these warning signs: 1) driving well below the speed limit; 2) driving outside marked lanes, weaving and zigzagging across the roadway; 3) driving with headlights off at night; and/or 4) tailgating and erratic breaking.

21st Century has also partnered with the California Highway Patrol to post billboards around the state encouraging drivers to be safe this holiday season. Ads, in English and Spanish, feature lighthearted messages discussing a serious topic -- Sober Driving. These include:

--"It's the holidays. Don't get carried away. Drive Sober." The ad shows a photo of a speeding ambulance.

--"Real holiday sprit doesn't come in a glass. Drive Sober." The ad features two champagne flutes and confetti.

--"Getting lit means putting lights on a tree. Drive Sober." The ad features glowing lights on a tree.

"We all have a responsibility to keep our roads as safe as they can be this holiday season," added Prager.

Founded in 1958, 21st Century Insurance Group is a direct to consumer provider of personal auto insurance in California and seven other Western and Midwestern states. 21st provides a superior combination of policy features and customer service at a competitive price. Twenty-four-hours-a-day, 365 days a year, customers have the option to purchase insurance, service their policy or report a claim over the phone directly through our centralized licensed insurance agents at 1-800-211-SAVE or through the Company's full-service Web site at www.21st.com. 21st Century Insurance Company is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and A+ by Standard & Poor's.

21st Century Insurance Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol TW and is headquartered at 21st Century Plaza, 6301 Owensmouth Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.

Note: Electronic versions of the billboards are available upon request.