A recent study has named Wyoming as the state with the fastest drivers in the United States, based on average driving speeds across long-distance trips, Cowboy State Daily reports.
The findings were compiled by MoneySuperMarket, a consumer research group that analyzed data from Google Routes to determine average driving speeds worldwide.
According to the study, the average speed for long-distance drivers in Wyoming is 71.8 mph — the highest in the nation. New Mexico and Idaho followed closely behind, with average speeds of 71 mph and 70.5 mph respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maryland recorded average speeds of less than 55 mph.
The reasons behind Wyoming’s high average speeds appear to be tied to several factors. As the least populated state in the country, Wyoming has lower levels of traffic congestion, allowing drivers to maintain higher speeds over longer stretches. In addition, the state’s geography — particularly its wide, flat High Plains and long, open highways — contributes to a driving environment where higher speeds are common.
Sales manager Dallas Tyrrell of Tyrrell Chevrolet in Cheyenne noted that with fewer vehicles on the road, and sometimes even more antelope than people, open-road driving becomes a norm.
“We’re far in distance in between places,” he said. “People like to get to A and B fast.”
Speed limits of up to 80 mph on parts of Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 also play a role, along with Wyoming’s high elevation, which some drivers believe improves gas mileage. Car culture in the state, including strong interest in high-performance vehicles, further adds to the picture. Tyrrell mentioned that sports cars are in such high demand that his dealership rarely keeps them in stock.
Despite the state’s open roads and driving culture, officials continue to urge caution. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office highlighted a concerning incident in which a driver was pulled over for speeding at 110 mph one day, and then again the following day at 116 mph.
“Be safe, Laramie, getting to your destination a few minutes earlier is not more important than your life or the life of others,” the department stated on social media.
Wyoming has also been recognized in other reports. In 2021, Insurify ranked it second for states with the most street racers. The report noted that Wyoming’s penalties for street racing are among the most lenient, with fines ranging from $10 to $100 and possible jail time of up to 10 days.
For some, like Brian Davidson of the Sheridan Motorsports Association, legal consequences have prompted a change in behavior. After being caught speeding at 121 mph, Davidson was sentenced to jail time, which he said significantly changed his habits.
“I pretty much go the speed limit now,” he said.
Davidson now helps run the Sheridan Speedway, one of several racetracks in Wyoming, where he encourages enthusiasts to explore speed in a safe, controlled environment.
“I can go to the speed track and get my speed kicks there,” he said.
