Best/worst states for driving....

[44wheelman]

There you have it, my state is only 2nd worst. From the National Motorist Assn:

State Rankings - Memorial Day Weekend 2009

With the first major driving holiday of the summer season approaching, we have analyzed the laws across the country to determine the best and the worst states when it comes to exploiting the motoring public.

These state rankings were calculated using seventeen criteria related to specific traffic laws, enforcement practices, and the treatment of traffic ticket defendants. The rankings are designed to provide guidance to travelers who do not want their vacation ruined by speed traps, arcane laws or "kangaroo" traffic courts.

Full List Of State Rankings From Worst To Best

1) New Jersey
2) Ohio
3) Maryland
4) Louisiana
5) New York
6) Illinois
7) Delaware
8) Virginia
9) Washington
10) Massachusetts
11) Colorado
12) Oregon
13) Tennessee
14) California
15) Michigan
16) Vermont
17) Maine
18) Florida
19) Pennsylvania
20) North Carolina
21) Alabama
22) Rhode Island
23) West Virginia
24) New Hampshire
25) Arizona
26) New Mexico
27) Missouri
28) Texas
29) Oklahoma
30) Nevada
31) Georgia
32) Connecticut
33) South Carolina
34) Iowa
35) Hawaii
36) Arkansas
37) Alaska
38) Kansas
39) Mississippi
40) Wisconsin
41) Utah
42) South Dakota
43) Indiana
44) Minnesota
45) North Dakota
46) Kentucky
47) Nebraska
48) Montana
49) Idaho
50) Wyoming

List of Criteria Used To Generate Rankings (no particular order)

1) Speed Traps Per Capita (# of speed traps listed on www.speedtrap.org indexed to population)
2) Does the state have "driver responsibility" fees?
3) Does the state have mayor's courts?
4) Does the state authorize the use of roadblocks?
5) What are the freeway speed limits?
6) Does the state have red-light cameras?
7) Does the state have speed cameras?
8) Are there toll roads in the state?
9) Is a jury trial available for traffic violations?
10) Is trial by declaration (asserting a defense in writing without appearing in court) available?
11) Is the state a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact?
12) Is the state a member of the Driver's License Compact?
13) Are radar detectors banned in the state?
14) Does the state have a primary seat belt law?
15) Are there adult helmet laws in the state?
16) Are there move-over laws in the state?
17) Is cell phone use banned?

 

[wbraswell]

What in blazes are driver responsibility fees? I thought a compact was something in a woman's purse or a little car.

 

[buckeyeshooter]

Totally agree with the ratings--- I'm positive the govenors "bodyguards" will be out in force generating revenue to the max! For those who don't know Ohio, there is a state police barracks literally every 3 exits on Interstate 71. This weekend there will be state police at every crossover on I-71 in the state. My hope is that with our severe lack of funds in the state, they layoff about 60% of the force. I would have a much brighter view of these guys if they actually helped stranded motorists rather than just wrote tickets!

 

[Jellybean]

Looking at the criteria, they are showing which ones are "worse" for people that drive like moronic idiots. And Ohio and Pennsylvania should be tied for first.

 

[Forester]

Hmm, we are right in the middle. Have no personal data to throw in as I have been fortunate for the last 15 years. Been given a couple of big breaks also.

When I first read the thread title I thought of road conditions. Vermont immediately jumped to the top of the list in my head. For such a liberal state, it sure seems like the federal government has forgotten them when it comes time to write checks for transportation projects.

 

[David LaPell]

Its a shame you can't add Quebec to that list. They are the scourge of the highways here in upstate NY

 

[Andy Griffith]

I'd figure that it should be based on road conditions and traffic.

It doesn't matter if there are speed traps, red light cameras, or etc. if you can't speed because of the potholes and traffic jams.

When the condition of an interstate highway in any state has to be compared with the condition of the Dalton Highway...please prepare to buy new shocks.

 

[Wayne02]

Originally posted by 44wheelman:
16) Are there move-over laws in the state?

I'm assuming my state has this, but you wouldn't know by the way people drive here.

 

[pred]

Originally posted by Jellybean:
Looking at the criteria, they are showing which ones are "worse" for people that drive like moronic idiots. And Ohio and Pennsylvania should be tied for first.

WHY?
I am in Phila, It's horrible, But I've been through a lot of the state and find the driving is quite relaxing.
Peter

 

[zercool]

Originally posted by wbraswell:
What in blazes are driver responsibility fees?

Here's NY's version.

Essentially, if you do something that would get your license suspended, you have to pay an additional fee to the state in order to keep driving - on top of any fines or court charges already incurred. Stays on your license for three years.

 

[Jellybean]

WHY?

In Western PA. the drivers are every bit as bad as in Ohio, rude, inconsiderate lousy drivers. Plus PA. is good at not marking their state routes very well.

It does have some very nice scenery, but you only get to enjoy it if you're the only one on the road.