A new report by WalletHub, a financial product resource for consumers and small-business owners, reveals that Seattle is the 87th (out of 95) worst major city to be a driver. Using 21 metrics, including average gas prices, traffic delays, car theft, and road conditions, Seattle was way back in the pack, including only finishing ahead of just 13 other cities in terms of traffic. MyNorthwest.com reports,
“For many of us, commuting means being on the road for about 200 hours each year, according to WalletHub. That doesn’t include the more than 40 hours stuck in traffic congestion. Combined, that’s the equivalent of a six-week vacation.
“When the cost of fuel and time wasted in the car is added up, each household spends about $1,700 per year, WalletHub reports. Of course, that’s not including the cost of car tabs and maintenance.”
Perhaps most alarming is the fact that Seattle fell second to last—just behind New York—in the road condition category. Meanwhile, the city is spending even more of taxpayer dollars on adding more bike lanes at the expense of car lanes and/or improving road conditions.
