Iowa Takes the Wheel as the Best State to Drive in 2024!
Breaking news! Iowa is the Best State to Drive! Discover why the Hawkeye State is steering the way as the top state to drive in 2024! 🚗🌽 #IowaDriving #RoadTripGoals #Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa – Nobody likes sitting in traffic. It’s a mood-killer, a time-waster, and it can put a dent in your wallet. In fact, in 2022, the average driver had to cough up $869 just because they spent a whopping 51 hours stuck in traffic. To make matters worse, the U.S. is home to eight of the world’s 25 worst traffic-clogged cities, with a whopping 19 of the 25 worst right here in North America!
But wait, there’s more to road woes than traffic snarls. You want to know that the road beneath your wheels is safe and well-maintained before you hit the highway. While the U.S. does a decent job, it’s not quite leading the pack. The World Economic Forum ranks the U.S. at number 17 out of 141 countries for road quality.
But fret not, fellow travelers! We’ve done some digging to uncover the states with the best driving conditions. Experts have compared all 50 states using 31 key indicators for a smooth commute, ranging from gas prices to traffic jams to road quality.
So, what’s the scoop on the best and worst states to drive in for 2024? Well, buckle up, because here’s the lowdown:
The Midwest Takes the Crown!
Iowa is the Best State to Drive In
Topping the list as the best state to drive in is Iowa. One reason? It’s a rural state with one of the lowest rush-hour traffic congestion rates in the nation. Less than a quarter of Iowa’s urban interstates get bogged down during peak hours. And if you’re tired of long commutes, Iowa’s got you covered, with an average drive time of less than 20 minutes.
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But here’s the kicker: Iowa residents save a bundle on vehicle expenses. The Hawkeye State boasts a top 10 ranking for low gas prices and car insurance rates. Plus, it’s one of the safest states with lower rates of vehicle theft and larceny. So, you can cruise Iowa’s roads feeling secure and prosperous.
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Kansas: There Really is No Place Like Home
Coming in as the third-best state for drivers is Kansas. One standout factor is improving road safety, with a significant year-over-year decrease in the traffic fatality rate, over 12% according to the latest data. Perhaps Kansans just have a knack for not speeding as much as others.
Kansas boasts an impressive number of roadway miles per capita, and they keep those roads in tiptop shape, ranking 10th in road quality. Given that Kansas is famously flatter than a pancake, maintaining those roads might not be too tricky.
With a low population and plenty of farmland, it’s no wonder Kansas enjoys a low traffic congestion rate. Clear roads make for happy drivers, and that contributes to their third-place ranking.
The Rest of the Midwest Rankings
- North Dakota is at 10
- Indiana takes 11th place
- Nebraska claims the 12th spot
- Wisconsin is at a respectable 15
- Illinois falls at 23
- South Dakota isn’t far behind at 24
- And our home state of Minnesota rounds out the Midwest at 25
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about the states that didn’t fare as well.
The Worst States for Driving Are…
- California takes 46th place
- West Virginia follows at 47
- Delaware isn’t far ahead at 48
- Washington lands at 49
- And the sunny paradise of Hawaii wraps up the list at 50
So, there you have it, guys! Whether you’re hitting the road in the heartland or dealing with traffic jams in the Golden State, these rankings give you a glimpse into what to expect on your next drive. Safe travels!
