Driving can be a frustrating and sometimes dangerous experience, especially if you’re driving in a state with poor road conditions, unbearable traffic congestion, or high insurance and gas prices.
Read on for information about the five worst states for drivers, in no particular order.
Mississippi
Mississippi tops the list for fatal car accidents per capita, recording a death rate of 22.2 fatalities per 100,000 residents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As a predominantly rural state, most fatal car accidents in Mississippi occur on rural roads. The smaller and more distant hospitals in these areas play a role, as does the fact that, with higher speed limits than city streets, rural roads tend to amplify the severity of crashes.
California
California is notorious for its heavy traffic, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Drivers in California spend an average of 62 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to a study by INRIX. Although that number is much lower than pre-pandemic levels, it is still the highest amount of any state in the country. California also has some of the highest gas prices in the nation, which can make it more expensive to drive. There are over 2700 traffic fatalities in California each year. The state also has many uninsured drivers, putting other drivers at risk.
Hawaii
Hawaii may seem like a paradise, but it’s not exactly driver-friendly. The state has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, which can make driving in Hawaii expensive. Additionally, Hawaii is known for having some of the most congested roads in the country, particularly in Honolulu.
New Jersey
New Jersey may be small, but it has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, partly due to the state’s high population density, which can lead to more accidents and higher insurance costs. Additionally, New Jersey has some of the highest gas prices in the nation and isn’t far behind California when it comes to traffic congestion.
Maryland
Maryland has some of the highest car theft rates in the country, which can make it risky to park your car in certain areas. In addition, the state has some of the most congested roads in the nation, particularly around the Washington D.C. metro area.
The Worst States for Drivers
While driving can be challenging anywhere, these five states take the cake as the worst states for drivers. California stands out as one of the worst due to its heavy traffic, high gas prices, and many uninsured drivers. Other states on this list, such as Mississippi and Maryland, also have unique challenges that can make driving a less-than-pleasant experience. Whether you’re a resident of one of these states or just passing through, staying alert and driving defensively to keep safe on the road is essential.
