Most of us drive cars. Or know how to.
Like many drivers, I started at age 16. How exciting it was to earn my license. Right off the bat, my parents taught me that driving is both a privilege and a huge responsibility. Many people today forget this.
When we first start out, it is all charm and glitter. We are driving. We are cool. But as time goes by, we realize that driving can also be a hassle. It is dangerous, for one thing. And there are many other factors that come into play. Like traffic problems, careless drivers, road hazards, potholes, and so much more.
These things may seem to happen randomly, but they’re not the same throughout the country. In fact, some states are better than others when it comes to the road.
So. What is the best state in which to drive? WalletHub looked at 31 key metrics across all 50 states to determine the results. Some factors included access to cars and the cost of ownership and maintenance. Rush-hour traffic congestion, road conditions, and average gas prices were also taken into account.
And, the best state for driving?
Based on the study, the winner is….
Iowa
Iowa notched the top spot even though it ranks in the bottom half of the list for safety. It scored high in other areas, such as traffic patterns and the cost of vehicle ownership.
The worst of the worst?
Hawaii
Hawaii comes in sixth in safety. But it was terrible when it came to traffic. Their infrastructure, car access, and cost of ownership were pretty bad too.
So here are the rest of the winners and the losers.
10 Best States for Drivers
Iowa
Georgia
Ohio
Oklahoma
North Carolina
Idaho
Texas
Tennessee
Kansas
Indiana
10 Worst States for Drivers
Hawaii
Washington
Delaware
Rhode Island
Maryland
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
Michigan
California
My big question was not answered in the article. Did they rate the states on the best use of turn signals? And did they consider those people who won’t turn right on red? How about the use of Confederate flags and bumper stickers? These are all big in my book.
Maybe I should conduct my own analysis.
In the meantime. Be safe out there. Buckle up. And if you don’t know how to use your safety belt. Keep trying. Eventually, it will click.
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“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.”
— Mac McCleary
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“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?”
— Robin Williams
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“A car’s weakest part is the nut holding the steering wheel.”
— Unknown
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The road. The road. Some are better than others.
