Financial resource website WalletHub this week released its annual list for the best and worst states for driving in the U.S.
The website says that congestion cost U.S. drivers $88 billion in 2019, as well as an average of 99 hours of their time. The U.S. also has five out of the world’s 25 worst cities for traffic, and 19 of the worst 25 in North America.
WalletHub also said due to COVID-19, 2020’s traffic congestion numbers are likely to be lower overall. As of October 2020, cumulative travel on roads in 2020 was over 380 billion vehicle miles fewer than the same period in 2019, a reduction of 13.9%.
To identify the states with the most positive driving experiences, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 31 key indicators of a positive commute. The data set ranges from average gas prices to rush-hour traffic congestion to road quality.
The primary metrics analyzed for this year's rankings include cost of ownership & maintenance; traffic & infrastructure; safety; and access to vehicles & maintenance.
States placing in the top 10 spots on the list include 1) Texas; 2) Indiana; 3) North Carolina; 4) Iowa; 5) Tennessee; 6) Kentucky; 7) Maine; 8) Idaho; 9) South Dakota; and 10) Ohio.
States ranking at the tail end of the list include 50) Hawaii; 49) California; 48) Washington; 47) Maryland; 46) Delaware; 45) Rhode Island; 44) Pennsylvania; 43) New Hampshire; 42) New Jersey; and 41) Colorado.
An alternate breakdown can be found here.
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SOURCE: WalletHub
