Washington State Ranks as the Worst State to Be a Driver in the Lower 48
Wallet Hub released a study on January 22 highlighting the best and worst states to drive in; data was gathered from agencies including the U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Energy, the Insurance Research Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Greater Seattle and Washington State overall, did not score well in the study with Washington ranking last among the lower 48 states. This placement drops Washington State from the 47th worst state to drive in 2018.
The study looked at range of factors including gas prices, traffic and infrastructure, safety, parking, positive driving experience, and the cost of car ownership and maintenance. Another study found that congestion in the Puget Sound area ranked ninth worst in North America and 26th worst in the world, almost certainly contributing to a low score in positive driving experience for Washington State drivers. The report points out that apart from the headache and lost time that it causes, congestion costs the average driver over $1,400 per year in the U.S.