An annual study by the Reason Foundation has found that Maryland’s roads rank 43rd out of the 50 states.  Rankings are based on the following criteria: pavement condition, road congestion, and costs of highway maintenance, administration and construction programs.

The report blames Maryland’s poor ranking on traffic congestion and per-mile spending, which were among the worst in the country in 2008, the latest period for which the foundation has data.

Maryland spent on average more than $400,000 for maintenance, administration and construction on each mile of its roughly 5,400-mile highway system. Only six states spent more per mile, according to the report.

While Maryland’s roadways rank poorly compared to other states, the number of fatalities have dropped 7.4%.  This has been attributed to seat belt use and drunk driving campaigns.