The season of classic American road trips is here, and we’re ready to help you put the pedal to the metal. But, before you set off, there is one critical thing to keep in mind when plotting your route, and that is just how chaotic some drivers can be. And eSpatial is here to make sure you’re in the know on which states have the most chaotic roadways of all.
“Whether it’s dodging potholes, sitting in endless traffic, or worrying about accident-prone roads, driving conditions across the U.S. can vary massively from state to state,” eSpatial, a mapping company, shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. “While some states offer well-maintained infrastructure and manageable congestion, others are far more frustrating or dangerous for road users.”
To figure out which states have the most chaotic roadways of all, the team at eSpatial analyzed government datasets and real-time traffic insights, measuring each state on five key factors: traffic congestion pulled via Numbeo’s Traffic Index, road satisfaction, based on data by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of Google searches for “pothole complaint”, the total road fatalities per state, and speeding-related traffic deaths both via the Department of Transport.
After looking at all the data, it named Rhode Island the most chaotic state for driving. (As a born and bred Rhode Islander, I can confirm that this is correct.)
“It might be the smallest state in the U.S., but Rhode Island punches well above its weight in road-related problems,” the findings stated. “It ranked worst overall for road quality (just 62.76 percent of roads are considered acceptable) and second-worst for speeding-related fatalities. It also topped the list for pothole-related search complaints, indicating widespread driver frustration. With narrow streets, dense urban zones, and aging infrastructure, this tiny state delivers outsized driving stress.”
Coming in a close second is Massachusetts, Rhode Island’s neighbor.
“Massachusetts ranks No.1 for traffic congestion with a sky-high traffic index of 207.77—the worst in the country,” the findings stated. “Add in 350 pothole-related complaints, low road satisfaction (73.95 percent), and sharp driving habits, and it’s no wonder the state takes second place overall.”
Joining these two at the top of the shame pile is Hawaii in third, followed by Maryland and Connecticut, rounding out the top five.
As for the calmest place to drive in the U.S., that honor went to Montana.
“There’s a reason Montana is made for road trips: it’s all sweeping landscapes, empty highways, and no stress,” the findings noted. “With just 208 traffic fatalities and only 10 pothole-related searches in the past year, Montana offers not just space to roam but space to relax behind the wheel. The traffic index score is a low 86.27, and 89 percent of roads are rated acceptable, whether you’re heading to Glacier National Park or taking the long way through Big Sky Country.”
