Driving can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially in some cities where traffic, road conditions, safety, and costs are major concerns. According to various sources, one Pennsylvania city stands out as the worst place to drive in the state, and among the worst in the country. That city is Philadelphia, the largest and most populous city in Pennsylvania.
Traffic and Infrastructure
One of the main factors that makes driving in Philadelphia a nightmare is the traffic and infrastructure. According to WalletHub, Philadelphia ranked 6th worst in the country for traffic and infrastructure, based on metrics such as congestion, commute time, road quality, bridge quality, and public transit.
Philadelphia drivers spend an average of 37 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to INRIX, a global mobility analytics company. The city also has some of the worst roads and bridges in the nation, with 42% of roads in poor condition and 18% of bridges structurally deficient, according to TRIP, a national transportation research group.
Safety
Another factor that makes driving in Philadelphia risky is the safety. According to RoadSnacks, Philadelphia is the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania, based on crime rates, violent crimes, property crimes, and police presence. The city also has a high rate of traffic fatalities, especially those involving alcohol.
According to Clever Move, Philadelphia ranked 18th worst in the country for traffic fatalities, with an average of 13.4 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2014 to 2020, and 5.1 of those deaths were alcohol-related. The city also has a high rate of uninsured drivers, with 13% of motorists lacking insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Cost of Ownership and Maintenance
A third factor that makes driving in Philadelphia expensive is the cost of ownership and maintenance. According to WalletHub, Philadelphia ranked 15th worst in the country for cost of ownership and maintenance, based on metrics such as gas prices, parking rates, auto insurance premiums, and auto repair costs. Philadelphia drivers pay an average of $2.88 per gallon of gas, $18.75 per day for parking, $1,735 per year for auto insurance, and $404 per year for auto repair, according to various sources . These costs add up to a hefty burden for drivers in the city.
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Conclusion
Driving in Philadelphia is a challenging and unpleasant experience, as the city ranks poorly in traffic and infrastructure, safety, and cost of ownership and maintenance. Philadelphia drivers face long and congested commutes, poor and dangerous road conditions, high rates of traffic fatalities and uninsured drivers, and high costs of gas, parking, insurance, and repair. Philadelphia is undoubtedly the worst place to drive in Pennsylvania, and one of the worst in the nation.