Stop Complaining About Idaho Roads, Now The Best In The U.S.

In a revelation that might come as a surprise to many, especially those who navigate them daily, Idaho's roads have been ranked the best in the United States. According to a study by the personal injury firm Munley Law, which analyzed data from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a staggering 94.78 percent of Idaho's roads meet the acceptable quality standard. This places the Gem State at the pinnacle of road quality across the nation, a distinction that may shock Idahoans accustomed to critiquing their own roads.

The study sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of state infrastructure, highlighting not only the annoyance of potholes and deteriorating road surfaces but also their impact on vehicle wear and tear. Idaho's top ranking suggests that the state has effectively managed to maintain its roads, thereby minimizing these issues. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the common grievances voiced in every state about road conditions, proving that Idaho's road maintenance efforts have set a benchmark for the rest of the country.

Georgia and Tennessee follow closely behind Idaho, with 94.5 percent and 94.17 percent of roads meeting the acceptable quality standard, respectively. These states, like Idaho, likely benefit from significant investment in highway maintenance and a collaborative funding effort that spans federal, state, and local governments. Tennessee, for instance, has managed to avoid borrowing money for road construction for 45 years, indicating a stable and robust funding system similar to the one that may contribute to Idaho's success.

On the other end of the spectrum, states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut face the most challenges, with less than 60 percent of their roads meeting the acceptable quality standard. The study attributes these poor conditions to heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions, which are less prevalent in Idaho, giving it an advantage.