According to a new study ranking driving in the 100 largest U.S. cities, Raleigh, N.C. ranks tops according to a new report by WalletHub.
If there’s a No. 1, then you know there’s a No. 100: Oakland, California placed last.
The ease of driving in America’s largest cities matters, as 87% of daily trips are made in cars, trucks and SUVs. On average, Americans spend about 6 hours a week driving or riding in automobiles — that’s nearly 13 days.
“Longer time behind the wheel could lead to issues such as fatigue, distraction, and impatience for drivers, which are all contributing factors for vehicle crashes,” said David Yang, executive director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in a statement.
COVID caused changes
And the pandemic has led more people to abandon public transit for private transportation. But the increased number of private cars is clogging roads and raising tempers, so a look at the overall quality of driving life is timely.
The WalletHub study measured such metrics as gas prices, new car costs, maintenance costs, insurance rates, parking rates, hours spent in congestion, average commute time, quality of roads and bridges, weather, fatality rates, seat belt usage, the number of uninsured drivers, car thefts, larceny, access to car dealers, repair shops, car washes, gas stations and garages.
Raleigh, N.C. placed first at 67.662 points. It was followed by Lincoln, Nebraska222.; Greensboro, N.C.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Corpus Christi, Texas rounding out the top five.
At the other extreme was Chicago at 95th with 40.69 points, it was followed by New York City; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Detroit; and Oakland.
Other measurables
But the study also ranked several other metrics as well, coming with some interesting results.
Residents in El Paso, Texas and Lubbock, Texas tied for the least amount of time dealing with traffic congestion. Those living in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York tied for spending the most time sitting in traffic.
Chula Vista, California has the lowest fatality rate of 2.55 deaths per 100,000 residents; Memphis, Tennessee lays claim to the highest at 7.8 deaths.
You’re least likely to have your car stolen in Irvine, California. Car thefts occur at a rate of 0.56 per 1,000 residents, while Oakland has the most at 11.61 per 1,000 residents.
Looking for cheap gas? Head to San Antonio, Texas, where it costs the least in America’s 100 largest cities: $2.66 per gallon. Avoid San Francisco where gas is the most expensive at $4.40 per gallon.
Parking your car costs 90 cents for two hours in Hialeah, Florida whereas it will cost you $34.80 for the same amount of time in Boston.
Car owners in Jacksonville, Florida enjoyed the lowest maintenance costs, which includes the cost of gas, while those in Portland, Oregon have the highest, narrowly beating out Honolulu, Hawaii.
But you’ll spend the least amount of time in inclement weather in Las Vegas, Nevada — hardly a surprise. This contrasts with Portland, Oregon, which has the most rotten weather. Again, hardly a surprise.