Wyoming Drivers Speed

Fastest and Slowest States

So, there’s this interesting study that came out, breaking down which states in the U.S. have the fastest and slowest drivers when folks are out on long trips and navigating urban jungles. Wyoming emerges as the top dog with the fastest drivers, hitting average speeds of 71.8 mph on those extended road journeys. Given that Wyoming’s speed limit tips the scale at 80 mph, it’s not really a surprise. With its sprawling landscapes and fewer people around, it’s got the right setting for hitting the gas pedal a bit harder.

Not too far behind, drivers in New Mexico and Idaho cruise at about 71 mph and 70 mph, respectively. Georgia’s sitting pretty in fourth with an average of 69.9 mph, followed closely by Florida at 69.4 mph. Meanwhile, California, with its legions of drivers, isn’t burning rubber as much and clocks in with a middle-of-the-pack speed of 58.4 mph. As for urban driving speeds, Alaska leads at 30.3 mph, with Alabama and Nebraska slightly trailing at 30.1 mph and 29.7 mph. Arkansas and Missouri are also in the mix, tapping out at 28 mph and 27.8 mph, respectively.

Slow and Steady States

On the flip side, New Hampshire is taking it slow with the mellowest average speed of just 49.9 mph. Vermont and Maryland aren’t exactly rushing either, trailing at 52.8 mph and 54.7 mph. In fourth place is Rhode Island, averaging 56.4 mph, with Alaska not far off at 56.5 mph. When it comes to easing up on the gas pedal in cities, Massachusetts reigns supreme with an ultra-relaxed pace of 19.6 mph, with Maryland and Michigan following suit at 20.6 mph and 20.9 mph. Colorado and Ohio bring up the rear in the urban crawl with speeds of 21.2 mph and 21.4 mph.

Looking at the bigger picture, the U.S. overall clocks an average of 68.1 mph over long distances, putting it at first place compared to other nations. It is slightly ahead of Canada, which rolls at 67.1 mph, with Oman in third at 65.1 mph. Despite Germany’s autobahn fame for unregulated speed, it’s posted at a more moderate pace of 58.3 mph, falling to number 16 globally. Meanwhile, Malta and Mauritania are definitely keeping it relaxed with average speeds barely exceeding 14 mph.

Loose Limits and Penalties

Wyoming’s wide-open highways like Interstate 25 and Interstate 80, paired with an 80 mph speed limit, set the stage for people naturally driving faster. Texas, with its 85 mph allowance, is the only state surpassing Wyoming’s speed limits. Even though many might think twice about speeding due to gas costs, Wyoming’s higher elevations and thinner air can somewhat help the fuel economy. Plus, street racers looking for thrills don’t face stiff penalties here; fines are pretty lenient, starting at $10 and maxing out at $100. In slower-driving states, rigid enforcement might play a role. Maryland, for instance, is peppered with speed cameras, especially in Montgomery County near Washington, D.C. Speaking of which, D.C. has the highest density of these cameras in the U.S., possibly adding an extra reason for laid-back speeds in these areas.