Recent survey looked at the best states for driving. Here’s where Idaho ranked

Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) – It may not seem real to commuters stuck on Eagle Road — but a new survey says that Idaho is one of the best states to drive in.

The WalletHub survey looked at the cost of vehicle ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety and access to vehicles and maintenance, according to its website. The Gem State ranked second overall, behind Kansas.

However, it’s not all good news.

In the survey, it says Idaho achieved its ranking “in part due to the success it’s had in decreasing deaths on the road.” WalletHub cites data showing that between 2021 and 2022, the state’s traffic fatality rate decreased by almost 20%

But the state’s fatality rate jumped in 2023, shooting up almost 25% higher than 2022, according to Idaho Transportation Department statistics.

On the bright side, WalletHub says that Idaho has the fifth lowest prevalence of speeding, well-maintained roadways and a low percentage of uninsured drivers.

Idaho ranked 14th in cost of ownership and maintenance, fourth in traffic and infrastructure, ninth in safety and 45th in access to vehicles and maintenance, according to WalletHub.