BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland has been ranked as one of the most difficult states for motorists, according to a new study released this week by the personal-finance website WalletHub. The report, titled 2026’s Best & Worst States to Drive In, places Maryland 46th overall, making it the 5th worst state in the nation for drivers.
The study comes at a time when traffic congestion continues to take a heavy toll on American commuters. WalletHub notes that the average U.S. driver loses approximately 49 hours each year to traffic, resulting in significant productivity losses and increased stress. To determine its rankings, the company compared all 50 states using 31 key metrics, including road quality, fuel costs, and safety data.
Maryland’s poor showing is driven largely by significant issues with traffic flow and crime. The state ranked 44th in terms of the share of rush-hour traffic congestion, confirming the daily frustrations of many commuters in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. Additionally, the state struggled in the safety and security category, ranking 45th for its car theft rate…