Seattle is known for its heavy traffic and never-ending construction projects that lead to long, frustrating commutes. Combined with high levels of property crime, wet and sometimes icy or snowy road conditions, and the high cost of car insurance and vehicle repairs in the Seattle metro area, it’s no surprise that Washington has been ranked the second worst state to drive in 2025 – holding firm on its position since 2023.
Each year, WalletHub uses 31 key indicators to rank all 50 states from the best to the worst states to drive. Washington earned its ranking at #49 for 2025 when analyzed in each of these metrics.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Washington State, seeking the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney in your area could be invaluable. A knowledgeable injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and determine the full value of your accident claim. Should you choose to work with a lawyer, they will guide you through every step of the claims process and fight relentlessly to secure the maximum settlement for your losses and injuries.
Washington Ranked Second Worst State to Drive in WalletHub’s 2025 Report
Washington State has been ranked 49th out of 50 states in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 reports, which is down from its 45th place ranking in 2022.
Why has Washington State ranked so poorly for the last three years? The two main reasons that Washington is not considered a good state to drive are the “Cost of Ownership & Maintenance” (#48 – same as 2024) and “Traffic & Infrastructure” (#36 – up from #38 in 2024). The state’s overall safety ranking did improve from #36 in 2024 to #29 this year.
Adding to low rankings, Washington State is in the top five states for highest car theft rate (#49) and highest gas prices (#48). The state also doesn’t fall into the top five states for any positive metrics including most car washes per capita, most auto-repair shops per capita, fewest days with precipitation, or lowest percentage of rush-hour traffic congestion.
Methodology
WalletHub completes this analysis every year to help drivers identify the states that provide the best commuting conditions. All 50 states were compared across four key dimensions:
1) Cost of Ownership & Maintenance
2) Traffic & Infrastructure
3) Safety and
4) Access to Vehicles & Maintenance.
Each dimension is evaluated using 31 key indicators of a positive commute, then graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the best for drivers.
Finally, each state’s weighted average is calculated across all metrics to reach an overall score.
Washington State Accident Statistics
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, traffic fatalities on Washington roadways have been increasing over the last few years. Traffic fatalities increased 20 percent from 674 in 2021 to 810 in 2023. Overall, 2,227 people have died and 9,436 were seriously injured in traffic crashes in Washington since 2021.
Before 2021, the last time we had more than 600 traffic fatalities in a single year was in 1996 when Washington State recorded 712 crash deaths. Speeding, which is often accompanied by drunk or impaired driving, is considered the main culprit for the increase in traffic fatalities in recent years.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
