If you’re not first, you’re last. But sometimes you can be both. If the kei car harassment wasn’t bad enough, a recent study ranked Rhode Island number one as the last state you’d want to drive in.
The research was gathered by eSpatial, a company that specializes in mapping software. Unlike other studies that focus on one or two data sets (e.g., safest drivers, most accidents), the eSpatial team examined all of it.
According to Travel & Leisure:Â
To figure out which states have the most chaotic roadways of all, the team at eSpatial analyzed government datasets and real-time traffic insights, measuring each state on five key factors: traffic congestion pulled via Numbeo’s Traffic Index, road satisfaction based on data by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of Google searches for “pothole complaint,” the total road fatalities per state, and speeding-related traffic deaths both via the Department of Transport.
With that mountain of data, it turned out that, overall, the littlest state in the union had the largest number of roadway issues. T&L quoted the eSpatial findings:
“[Rhode Island] ranked worst overall for road quality (just 62.76 percent of roads are considered acceptable) and second-worst for speeding-related fatalities. It also topped the list for pothole-related search complaints, indicating widespread driver frustration. With narrow streets, dense urban zones, and aging infrastructure, this tiny state delivers outsized driving stress.”
Even if Rhode Islanders deny it, other federal data support its status as the pits. Using information from the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. News ranks the state last in transportation, with a 50th-place finish in road quality and the 45th spot for infrastructure.
Specifically, 37.2% of Rhode Island’s major roads are classified as in “poor” condition, according to FHA data reviewed by Construction Coverage. The state also ranks last in percentage of “good” condition roads, with just 26.3% fitting the bill. In a statement to T&L, eSpatial said:
“Whether it’s dodging potholes, sitting in endless traffic, or worrying about accident-prone roads, driving conditions across the U.S. can vary massively from state to state. While some states offer well-maintained infrastructure and manageable congestion, others are far more frustrating or dangerous for road users.”
Ironically, states with the smallest footprints and fewest roads are apparently some of the worst places for drivers. Per eSpatial, the top five states with the most aggravating driving conditions were rounded out by Massachusetts, Hawaii, Maryland, and Connecticut. Hawaii aside, all of these states have something in common: East Coast states with aging roads that have to carry tons of traffic.Â
My life experience can confirm that, outside of the shaka courtesies, driving in Hawaii is godawful, and the only place I suffer from daily road rage (sorry, mom). Maryland and the overall DMV region is equally evil. Where is driving not a maddening experience? Montana. T&L says:
“There’s a reason Montana is made for road trips: it’s all sweeping landscapes, empty highways, and no stress,” the findings noted. “With just 208 traffic fatalities and only 10 pothole-related searches in the past year, Montana offers not just space to roam but space to relax behind the wheel.”
Big Sky Country is right behind Rhode Island in population but ranks after California as the fourth-largest state in terms of area. Sounds like the perfect formula for a big, calm mood when behind the wheel.
I’ve driven a lot of places in the States and DC is my most-hated. Washington DC – where drivers just, generally, don’t care to get where they’re going or care to pay attention to other cars on the road.
Having a relative in RI, and driving down there (I’m in NH) I agree with the assessment. MA will always be MA, especially east of Worcester. CT combines the worst driving skills of NY and New England.
I used to drive in Maryland a lot, and there’s a reason why we used to call it the “FU” State. Watch out for really Big Altima Energy! I’ve driven in 48 states but never been to HI, so I’ll keep this piece in mind if I ever get there.
Welcome to Rhode Island
No Parking
Maryland has tolls (MDTA), Massachusetts has the Mass pike (toll), Rhode Island has a toll to cross bridge into Newport (topshot), but guess what? No tolls in Connecticut.
Though they do have some trolls.
I mean it’s fun that this company did this study, but they could have just substituted population density as the measure. Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland are states #2-5 in terms of density, while Montana is #48. With more density comes more traffic, more crashes, more fatalities, more wear and tear on road surfaces…
Very weird that nothing appears to have been normalized relative to population or, even better, miles driven
Speaking of Montana…
How and why did you register the auTAXIan in Montana? It almost feels like you found the point furthest away from where everyone lived, so it must have come with several pro’s.
Hi Beverly, I doubt anyone would object if you read and replied to reader comments. Just my opinion. 🙂
Agreed, and preferably with Adrian levels of snark when it’s appropriate. On the flip side I don’t think any have /needed/ a response. I especially liked the audi video article but was hoping for more spiciness in the comments. Audi lost me as a fan in the late 2000’s due to unreliability, assanine repair procedures, and general hostility towards consumers fixing their own cars. What’s weird is the current gen audi fans were just getting created then.
In her defense, she came from The Drive, whose commenters are, shall we say, not as nice as they are here. I can understand her reluctance.
I got my driver’s license in Rhode Island in October 1993.I can confirm this and offer a reason.
Southern RI is basically a sandbar. All the roads are just pavement on sand. It also suffers typical New England winters. Most of the state is rural, and not rich.
All that adds up to this type of result.