Gov. Blagojevich, ISP & 21st Century Insurance to Announce Success of 2005 Child Safety Seat Campaign; Tree Lighting Ceremony Spotlights 'Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe' Initiative.

CHICAGO -- The statewide partnership between Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois State Police and 21st Century Insurance (NYSE:TW) conducted more than 850 child safety seat inspections this year alone, the campaign will announce at a tree lighting ceremony Friday. As a result, more than 200 unsafe seats were destroyed and 21st Century Insurance donated more than 550 brand-new child safety seats.

"Two years ago, 21st created this partnership with Gov. Blagojevich and state agencies to save children's lives," said Joyce Prager, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations, 21st Century Insurance. "Over these two years, 21st has donated more than 1,400 brand-new safety seats to Illinois children, which is a proud accomplishment that undoubtedly has saved lives."

On Friday, 21st will participate in Gov. Blagojevich's tree lighting ceremony at 12 noon at The James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph Street, which spotlights his "Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe" initiative. This year, 21st donated 100 brand-new child safety seats to the Governor's Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe initiative at the recent Springfield event held on Saturday, Dec. 3, and for upcoming inspections.

"Especially during these cold winter months, every parent worries about keeping their children healthy and safe," said Gov. Blagojevich. "The Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe campaign helps make sure that children who need warm coats or child safety seats can get them."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children from two to 14 years of age. NHTSA recently updated their information on improper child safety seat installation. New data show that 80 percent of child safety seats are improperly installed and are a potential source of injury for children, up from 73 percent in 2004.

To help reduce preventable injuries and deaths, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois State Police and 21st Century Insurance have sponsored 18 child safety seat fairs across Illinois over the past two years. At each fair, the State Police and IDOT provide specially trained officers to inspect and, if necessary, replace and install a new child safety seat donated by 21st. In addition, officers educate parents and caregivers on how to use and install the seats.

"A properly installed child safety seat can make the difference between a safe, healthy child and one who's injured or killed," said Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent. "The Illinois State Police is pleased to have this opportunity to help ensure the safety of Illinois' youngest citizens."

Federal statistics show a critical need for education regarding booster seat use:

--According to recent data from NHTSA, at least 80 percent of children who should ride in booster seats currently do not.

--NHTSA recommends that children who weigh more than 40 pounds or who have outgrown their 5-point harness system should be placed in a booster seat.

--Using a booster seat allows the seat belt to be positioned across the child where it is most effective and lowers the risk of injury to children in crashes by 59 percent.

The Illinois program is modeled after the company's successful efforts in California. Since 21st Century Insurance premiered its child safety seat initiative four years ago, more than 5,700 child safety seats have been inspected; 21st has donated more than 4,600 new child safety seats; and more than 2,400 broken, recalled or non-age-appropriate child safety seats have been collected and discarded.

To help inform the public, Gov. Blagojevich, the Illinois State Police and 21st have created "Child Safety Seats: A Parent's Guide" to explain proper seat installation and use. The guide, available in English or Spanish, can be obtained free of charge at safety fairs, by contacting the company's corporate headquarters at 1-800-211-SAVE or by visiting 21st.com.

The guide includes key tips such as the following:

--Anyone who transports a child in Illinois under the age of eight years in a motor vehicle shall be responsible for providing the protection of that child by properly securing him/her in an appropriate child restraint system.

--All persons age eight to 16 years must be secured in a properly adjusted seat belt regardless of seat position in the vehicle.

About 21st: Good people to call

Founded in 1958, 21st Century Insurance Group is a direct-to-consumer provider of personal auto insurance. With $1.3 billion of revenue in 2004, the company insures over 1.5 million vehicles in California, Texas, Illinois and six other states. 21st provides superior policy features and 24/7 customer service at a competitive price. Customers can purchase insurance, service their policy or report a claim at www.21st.com or on the phone with our licensed insurance professionals at 1-800-211-SAVE. Service is offered in English and Spanish both on the phone and on the Web, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 21st Century Insurance Company and 21st Century Casualty Company are rated A+ by Standard & Poor's. 21st Century Insurance Company, 21st Century Casualty Company and 21st Century Insurance Company of the Southwest are rated A+ Fitch Ratings.

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.