Providence, Rhode Island — Getac’s latest road‑condition analysis released Tuesday shows Rhode Island’s highways suffer 45 miles of roughness per 1,000 miles, more than double the national average.

Rough pavement is a silent killer for long‑haul drivers. Every bump forces extra braking, accelerates tire wear, and can trigger minor mechanical failures that add to fuel costs and downtime. For CDL‑A holders, owner‑operators, and fleet managers, a state that averages nearly 1,871 miles of rough roads means more frequent inspections, higher maintenance bills, and tighter delivery windows.

Getac’s report, which used the Federal Highway Administration’s International Roughness Index, ranks Rhode Island first with 45 miles of roughness per 1,000 miles. Connecticut follows at 41 miles, West Virginia at 37, Mississippi at 32.3, New Jersey at 31.9, Maryland at 28, Washington at 26.7, Texas at 26.6, Missouri at 26, and Pennsylvania at 25. New Mexico, South Dakota, and Arizona emerge as the worst in rural, urban minor arterial, and urban collector categories, respectively. Rhode Island’s rural roads are the second bumpiest nationwide, and its urban minor arterial roads rank fourth roughest.

What This Means for Drivers

Owner‑operators in Providence face higher tire replacement costs; a roughness index that high can cut a tire’s life by up to 20%. CDL‑A drivers must plan for extra brake wear, often adding an extra 10‑15% to maintenance budgets. Fleet managers may need to adjust routing to avoid the most damaged segments, which can add up to 30 minutes of travel time per trip. Insurance premiums can rise as insurers factor in the increased risk of vehicle damage on such roads.

Industry Reaction

While Getac did not release direct statements from carriers, industry observers note that the findings reinforce long‑standing calls for better road maintenance. Trucking associations emphasize that smoother roads translate into safer routes, lower fuel consumption, and fewer costly repairs. The data also fuels lobbying efforts aimed at securing more federal infrastructure funding for critical corridors that serve freight traffic.

Key Points

• Rhode Island tops the list with 45 roughness miles per 1,000 miles.
• Statewide rough roads total 1,871 miles, twice the national average.
• Connecticut and West Virginia rank second and third, at 41 and 37 miles respectively.
• New Mexico, South Dakota, and Arizona are the worst in rural, urban minor arterial, and urban collector categories.

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