Maryland Among the Worst States to Own a Car
March 4, 2020
Maryland is known for many top attractions. Unfortunately, Maryland is also known for being one of the worst cities for motorists. In fact, according to a study by WalletHub.com, Maryland was ranked as the sixth worst state to own a car. From heavy traffic to high insurance costs, the study brings attention to why Maryland was ranked high on this list.
Although it is good to be included on some top 10 lists, having a spot on the top 10 worst states for motorists is not one of them. In addition to Maryland, the following states were included on that list:
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- California
- Colorado
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- New Jersey
- Alaska
- Montana
Categories Considered
The study looked at all 50 states, using a total of 31 indicators of a positive driving experience. These indicators were organized into categories and then given a score based on a 100-point scale. The four categories included the following:
- Cost to own and maintain a car
- Traffic congestion and road conditions
- Safety
- Access to purchase and maintain a car
WalletHub.com collected information from a wide range of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Insurance Research Council, National Centers for Environmental Information, and others to create the ranking.
For Maryland and the other states on this list to become safer states for motorists, it will take a joint effort between drivers, lawmakers, and private industry. According to a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, to reduce the cost of owning a car, consumers should refer to a total cost of ownership calculator provided by the Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Data Center. This can help consumers make better-informed decisions about the vehicle they plan to purchase. States can reduce the number of traffic fatalities by reducing speed limits in certain areas, creating raised intersections and middle islands, and ensuring safe bicycle lanes and pedestrian crossing.
There are several implications associated with being ranked as one of the worst states for motorists. Congestion can cause drivers to engage in unsafe driving behaviors, such as weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and speeding. It also cost U.S. drivers approximately $87 billion in 2018, and an average of 97 hours of their time. Maryland was ranked as having the highest percentage of rush hour traffic congestion.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a car accident, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We handle a wide range of car accident cases and have a proven track record of reaching positive outcomes for our clients. We will review your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Our skilled legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.