Driver Beware: These Are the 10 States With the Worst Road Rage
Angry Drivers
Getting behind the wheel can be a daunting experience, especially when driving in an unfamiliar city or state. New streets, unexpected one-ways, and the quick pace of driving in major cities can unsettle even the most composed drivers. Beyond these navigational challenges, there also looms the threat of road rage, which adds another layer of stress and tension to the whole ordeal.
According to a study by ConsumerAffairs, there's a startling correlation between aggressive driving behaviors and increased incidents of road rage across the U.S. The study measured factors such as speeding, issuance of careless-driving tickets, and traffic-related gun violence to identify the states with the most reckless drivers.
Here are the 10 states with the worst road rage.
1. Louisiana
Known for its world-renowned cuisine (gumbo, anyone?), this Southern state sadly also stands out for its driving habits, topping the list for having the most aggressive drivers in the country. A staggering 62.2% of traffic accidents in the state are attributed to aggressive or careless-driving behaviors, contributing to an increase in fatalities — a trend that mirrors the nationwide spike in traffic-related deaths.
The state's road-rage score is 47.32, with statistics showing 0.52 road-rage incidents involving a gun per 100,000 residents, 11.55 fatal accidents, and 2.85 aggressive-driving or speeding violations per 100,000 residents.
2. New Mexico
New Mexico may not lead in overall road-rage incidents, but it has a notably high per capita rate of driver confrontations involving firearms, as highlighted by recent fatal road-rage shootings on its roadways. Furthermore, the rate of citations for careless driving in the state is nearly double the national average, underscoring the prevalence of aggressive and reckless-driving behaviors.
The state’s road-rage score stands at 44.66, with statistics showing 2.08 gun-related road-rage incidents, 9.94 fatal accidents, and 1.85 aggressive or careless-driving violations per 100,000 residents.
3. Montana
Despite Montana's relatively uncongested roads, which might suggest a calmer driving experience, the state presents unique challenges due to aggressive-driving behaviors. The state's expansive open roads could be a factor in its high rate of fatal accidents tied to careless driving, notable despite a citation rate that is half the national average. This could be partly attributed to the smaller police force in the state with the challenging task of covering vast areas, the study notes.
Montana's road-rage score is 42.44, and the statistics reveal a relatively low 0.36 gun-related road-rage incidents per 100,000 residents. But a high 71.2% of accidents are due to aggressive or careless driving, with 11.67 fatalities per 100,000 residents and a mere 0.45 aggressive-driving violations per 100,000.
4. Colorado
Known for its thriving ski scene and pristine mountainous backdrop, Colorado came in fourth when it comes to road rage. This was particularly true in Denver, where congestion leads to significant driver frustration and recklessness. In Colorado, armed road-rage incidents are nearly double the national average. However, the state's proactive and stringent approach to issuing citations for aggressive driving seems effective, as evidenced by a lower rate of fatal accidents.
Colorado's road-rage score is 41.42, with data showing 0.81 gun-related road-rage incidents, 7.41 fatal accidents, and 2.83 aggressive-driving violations per 100,000 residents, with 61.9% of accidents were due to aggressive or careless driving.
5. Arkansas
While road-rage incidents involving a gun are remarkably rare in Arkansas, aggressive driving remains a significant concern across the state, the study found. Arkansas experiences the highest rates of fatal accidents attributed to aggressive driving in the nation — a troubling trend that mirrors a general increase in traffic fatalities. Despite people driving fewer miles, traffic-related deaths spiked by 18% from 2019 to 2022.
The state's road-rage score is 40.95, with statistics revealing only 0.10 gun-related road-rage incidents per 100,000 residents. However, there are 11.92 fatal accidents and 1.22 aggressive-driving or speeding violations per 100,000, with a substantial 62.3% of all accidents being linked to aggressive and reckless driving.
6. New Jersey
Being gestured at aggressively on the Jersey Turnpike might seem like a common occurrence, yet New Jersey reports remarkably few road-rage incidents involving guns. The rate of fatal accidents attributed to aggressive driving is slightly above the national average. Notably, a high 72.1% of road fatalities in the state result from aggressive or careless driving, the highest proportion in the U.S.
Additionally, New Jersey ranks among the states with the most citations for such driving behaviors. The state's road-rage score is 36.20, with only 0.07 gun-related road-rage incidents per 100,000 residents, 5 fatal accidents, and 2.69 aggressive-driving violations per 100,000.
7. North Carolina
North Carolina, while not as notorious as the Jersey Turnpike, still faces its own challenges with crowded highways. Despite the low incidence of road rage involving guns, the state struggles with aggressive driving largely due to congested roads that heighten driver frustration and contribute to higher fatality rates. Despite the state's initiative to alleviate traffic congestion around Charlotte with several projects, these efforts are expected to take several years to come to fruition.
North Carolina’s road-rage score is 33.66, with statistics showing 0.45 gun-related road-rage incidents, 7.64 fatal accidents, and 1.77 aggressive-driving violations per 100,000 residents, with 54.5% of accidents were linked to aggressive or careless driving.
8. Delaware
Despite its small size, Delaware is a state where drivers often seem to be in a rush. While incidents of gun violence on the roads are relatively uncommon and well below the national average, the state faces significant challenges with speeding and careless driving, resulting in high rates of citations. In response to an increase in highway fatalities, the state implemented more stringent penalties for speeding and reckless driving in 2023.
The state's road-rage score stands at 30.73, with 0.39 road-rage incidents involving a gun per 100,000 residents, 6.68 fatal accidents, and 2.26 aggressive or careless-driving violations per 100,000. This occurs in a context where 47.6% of accidents are attributed to aggressive or careless driving, especially on the highway.
9. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s reputation for Midwestern friendliness seems to hit pause at the driver's seat, as its motorists apparently think they're part of "The Fast and Furious" franchise. The state records a relatively high rate of armed road-rage incidents, signaling a more aggressive driving culture. Additionally, a significant portion of traffic accidents and fatalities were linked to incidents of road rage.
Wisconsin's road-rage score is 30.63, with 1.10 road-rage incidents involving a gun per 100,000 residents, and concerning statistics that include 5.24 fatal accidents and 1.04 aggressive-driving violations per 100,000. This occurs in a backdrop where 56.4% of traffic accidents are due to aggressive or careless driving.
10. Georgia
Driving in Georgia might not be as serene as one would hope, with drivers displaying higher levels of stress and a propensity for speeding compared to those in neighboring states. (Though we must admit we're surprised Florida didn't make this list). This behavior has led to an increased risk of fatal accidents linked to careless driving. In response, Atlanta city officials have pushed for additional laws targeting "super speeding," especially following a rise in drag racing incidents in the city. The state of Georgia has had "super speeder" laws on the books since 2010.
Georgia's road-rage score stands at 28.55, with statistics indicating 0.61 gun-related road-rage incidents per 100,000 residents, 6.53 fatal accidents, and 1.85 aggressive or careless-driving violations per 100,000. A significant 42.5% of accidents in the state were attributed to aggressive and reckless driving.
States With the Least Road Rage
It seems that an ocean breeze might indeed have a soothing effect, as most of the states with the least aggressive drivers are located on the coasts. According to the study, the states with the least road rage in 2024 are:
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
California
Virginia
South Dakota
New Hampshire, despite having more armed road-rage incidents per capita than New Jersey and Arkansas, has remarkably calm roads overall — with just 14.6% of accidents attributed to careless or aggressive driving. Similarly, Rhode Island, California, Virginia, and South Dakota all report less than 30% of accidents involving aggressive driving behaviors.
