California is the Worst State in the Nation for Driving, New Study Finds

California's vast highway system is often synonymous with impressive traffic jams and backups that will test even the most patient of people. And a new study reaffirms that if you're driving in the Golden State, you're dealing with the worst of overall conditions.

According to Bankrate.com, California is the worst state for drivers in 2016.

To compile its study, the website looked at several criteria, including average commute times, auto insurance costs, fuel prices, auto repair expenses, car thefts and motor vehicle deaths. (Read more on the methodology here.)

The best state for driving is Iowa, followed by Ohio, Maine, Wisconsin and Vermont to round out the top five.

As for the five worst states? After California, from worst to best are: New Mexico, Nevada, Louisiana and Wyoming.

On average, California drivers face longer commute times than drivers in all other states besides New York and Massachusetts, according to Bankrate. What's more, if your vehicle needs some sort of repair, be prepared to shell out more cash than anywhere else.

The state also has the highest auto theft rate in the nation, the study found through FBI data.

Here is how California ranked for the major criteria:

• Commute time: 28.9 minutes
• Insurance cost (annual): $895
• Gasoline spending (annual): $1,260
• Average cost of a repair: $435
• Car thefts per 100K people: 436.8
• Car fatalities per 100M miles driven: 0.9

Read the full report on Bankrate.com here.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone