States With the Most and Least Road Rage

Did you know that nearly 80% of drivers in America admit to experiencing significant anger, aggression, or road rage at least once in the past year? This startling statistic from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights the pervasive issue of road rage on American roads.

The likelihood of encountering an aggressive driver varies significantly from state to state. Drivers navigating the highways of New Mexico face a sobering reality: a 5.5 per 100,000 chance of encountering a firearm-related road rage incident, the highest rate in the country. Conversely, drivers in Rhode Island enjoy a comparatively safer experience with the same metric at a mere 0.8 per 100,000.

This report goes beyond simple honks and angry gestures. We delve into the data to expose the states where road rage poses the greatest threat. By analyzing six key factors, including firearm incidents, aggressive driving accidents, and speeding violations, we’ve ranked all 50 states based on their road rage severity.

Join us as we uncover the states where drivers must exercise extra caution and courtesy.

Key findings:

America’s Road Rage Capitals: Louisiana takes the top spot with a road rage score of 90, followed closely by New Mexico (89.4) and Montana (88.7).
Calmest Roads in the Country: Rhode Island has the lowest road rage score of 40, followed by California and Virginia, scoring 42.6.
The Southwest is a Hotbed for Road Rage: Four of the top 10 states with the most confrontational drivers are in the South, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, and Tennessee.
Speeding vs. Aggression: Not Always Linked: Despite ranking 3rd overall, Montana has one of the lowest speeding violation rates of 0.5 per 100,000 residents, showing other factors fuel aggressive driving.
Firearms: A Deadly Threat on the Road: New Mexico has the highest number of firearm-related road rage incidents, with 5.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while New Jersey has the lowest, with 0.3 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Interactive Map of States With the Most Road Rage

State Rankings Table: States With the Most Road Rage

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents per 100k Residents (2014-2023)

New Mexico has the highest rate of firearm-related road rage incidents, with a concerning 5.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, highlighting the potential for deadly encounters on its roadways.
New Jersey reports a significantly lower rate of 0.3 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating a stronger aversion to firearm use in road rage situations.

Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving

New Jersey has the highest percentage of accidents attributed to aggressive or careless driving, with a concerning 72.1% of incidents linked to these behaviors, suggesting a disregard for safe driving practices.
New Hampshire has a significantly lower percentage, with only 14.6% of accidents involving aggressive or careless driving, demonstrating a greater emphasis on cautious and considerate driving.

Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving (Per 100,000 Residents)

Arkansas experiences the highest rate of fatal accidents related to aggressive or careless driving, with 11.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, underscoring the tragic consequences of these behaviors.
Rhode Island reports a far lower rate, with only 1.3 fatal accidents involving aggressive or careless driving per 100,000 residents, indicating a greater commitment to safety on its roads.

Speeding Violations (Per 100,000 Residents)

Nevada has the highest rate of speeding violations, with drivers committing 3 violations per 100,000 residents, suggesting a greater tendency towards exceeding speed limits.
Alabama and Michigan report significantly lower rates. Each experiences only 0.1 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, indicating a stronger adherence to posted speed limits.

Top 10 States with the Most Road Rage in 2024

Let's explore the states with the lowest levels of road rage, showcasing effective road safety and courteous driving behaviors. Here are the top 10 states with the least road rage in 2024.

1. Louisiana

Louisiana tops the rankings with the worst road rage, with an alarming score of 90.0. This state faces significant challenges in several key areas, making it a hotspot for aggressive driving and road rage incidents. Below are the key factors contributing to Louisiana's status as the most dangerous state for road rage:

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Louisiana experiences 2.1 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, reflecting a high prevalence of extreme road rage behaviors involving weapons.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: With 62.2% of accidents attributed to aggressive or careless driving, Louisiana showcases a critical issue in driver behavior that significantly impacts road safety.
Accidents with Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Louisiana reports 11.6 accidents with fatalities per 100,000 residents due to aggressive or careless driving, highlighting the deadly outcomes of road rage incidents.
Speeding Violations: Louisiana also struggles with speeding, reporting 2.9 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, contributing to the overall high road rage score.

Louisiana's high incidence of aggressive driving and related fatalities makes it the most dangerous state for drivers, necessitating urgent measures to improve road safety and reduce road rage incidents.

2. New Mexico

New Mexico ranks second with a road rage score of 89.4, reflecting significant issues with aggressive driving and related fatalities. Key factors include:

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: New Mexico records 5.5 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating a high level of road rage involving firearms.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: 50.1% of accidents in New Mexico are caused by aggressive or careless driving, underlining a serious problem with driver behavior.
Accidents with Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: The state reports 9.9 accidents with fatalities per 100,000 residents due to aggressive or careless driving.
Speeding Violations: New Mexico has 1.9 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, contributing to its high road rage score.

New Mexico's high rate of firearm-related incidents and a significant number of fatal accidents highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures.

3. Montana

Montana is third on the list, with a road rage score of 88.7. This state shows troubling trends in several road safety metrics:

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Montana experiences 2.2 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: A significant 71.2% of accidents in Montana are due to aggressive or careless driving, one of the highest rates in the country.
Accidents with Fatalities—Aggressive/Careless Driving: Montana reports 11.7 accidents with fatalities per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: With 0.5 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, Montana has a lower rate than other top-ranking states but still faces serious road safety issues.

Montana's high percentage of accidents due to aggressive driving and significant fatality rates call for urgent interventions to enhance road safety.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas ranks fourth with the most road rage, earning an 85.6 score. While known for Southern hospitality, courtesy doesn't always extend to the roadways.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Arkansas records 1.1 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: 62.3% of accidents in Arkansas are caused by aggressive or careless driving.
Accidents with Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: The state reports 11.9 accidents with fatalities per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Arkansas has 1.2 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, adding to its road safety challenges.

Arkansas's high rate of aggressive driving and fatal accidents points to a critical need for enhanced traffic law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

5. Colorado

Colorado ranks fifth for road rage, with a score of 78.4. Even the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains can't entirely offset the stresses of navigating Colorado's increasingly congested roads.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: Colorado experiences 2.6 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving contributes to 61.9% of accidents in Colorado.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: Colorado experiences 7.4 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Colorado drivers commit 2.8 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

As Colorado's population continues to grow, so does the pressure on its roadways. Increased traffic congestion and a higher cost of living could contribute to elevated levels of driver frustration and, consequently, road rage incidents.

6. North Carolina

Ranking sixth for road rage with a score of 71.4, North Carolina reveals that Southern charm doesn't always translate to courteous driving.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: North Carolina experiences 1.4 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 54.5% of accidents in North Carolina.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: North Carolina experiences 7.6 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: North Carolina drivers commit 1.8 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

A mix of urban congestion and rural roadways might be contributing to the state's road rage problem. Whether navigating city streets or country roads, drivers in North Carolina are more likely to encounter aggressive behavior than in many other states.

7. Delaware

Don't let its small size fool you—Delaware ranks seventh on the list for road rage, scoring 69.6. This small state grapples with big-city traffic problems, contributing to its higher-than-average rate of aggressive driving incidents.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: Delaware reports 2.2 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 47.6% of accidents in Delaware.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: The state experiences 6.7 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Delaware drivers commit 2.3 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

Delaware's location as a corridor between major metropolitan areas likely contributes to its traffic congestion. This, coupled with a higher-than-average population density, creates a recipe for driver frustration, potentially explaining the state's position on the road rage ranking.

8. Florida

Florida is eighth on our list, with a road rage score 68.8. The Sunshine State's roads can get a little too heated, and a combination of factors contributes to its aggressive driving environment.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: Florida reports 2.2 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving contributes to 48.4% of accidents in Florida.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: Florida experiences 7.2 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Florida drivers commit 1.2 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

Florida's heavy traffic, tourist populations, and hot weather likely create a melting pot of driver frustration. While the state is known for its laid-back beach vibes, those vibes seem to disappear on the road, making it essential for drivers to exercise caution.

9. Wisconsin

Wisconsin ranks ninth on the list with a road rage score of 67.7, proving that tempers can flare on the road even in the land of cheese and camaraderie.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: Wisconsin reports 3.4 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 56.4% of accidents in Wisconsin.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: Wisconsin experiences 5.2 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Wisconsin drivers commit 1.0 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

While icy roads and long winters might contribute, Wisconsin's road rage problem persists year-round. Addressing this issue might require a closer examination of the state's driver education programs and a renewed focus on promoting safe driving practices.

10. Tennessee

Tennessee rounds out the top 10 with a road rage score of 67.1. The spirit of honky-tonk fun doesn't always translate to a harmonious highway experience.

Firearm-related Road Rage Incidents: Tennessee reports 3.7 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 34.2% of accidents in Tennessee.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/careless Driving: The state experiences 5.9 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents.
Speeding Violations: Tennessee drivers commit 1.8 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

While not as high as some states on the list, Tennessee’s rate of firearm-related road rage incidents raises concern, highlighting the potential for dangerous confrontations on the road.

Top 10 States with the Least Road Rage, 2024

This section highlights the states with the lowest road rage incidents, showcasing effective road safety and courteous driving behaviors. Here are the top 10 states with the least road rage in 2024.

1. Rhode Island

Rhode Island scores 40, making it the state with the least road rage in the country. Ocean State's drivers are more inclined towards relaxation than road rage.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Rhode Island reports 0.8 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, suggesting a strong aversion to involving weapons in driving disputes.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 27.5% of accidents in Rhode Island, a relatively low number reflecting a generally cautious driving environment.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Rhode Island experiences 1.3 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, indicating a commitment to safety even in serious incidents.
Speeding Violations: The state reports 1.1 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, suggesting drivers generally respect posted speed limits.

Perhaps it’s the state’s small size or a culture that values civility, but Rhode Island sets a positive example for drivers nationwide. It’s where sharing the road seems less like a chore and more like a pleasant drive along the coast.

2. California

California’s score of 42.6 makes it the 2nd state with the least road rage. Despite its reputation for heavy traffic, it seems the Golden State's drivers are finding ways to keep their cool.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: California has a low rate of firearm-related road rage incidents, with only 0.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This might be attributed to stricter gun control measures in the state.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving contributes to 26.1% of accidents in California. Despite heavy traffic congestion, this relatively low percentage suggests a degree of driver caution.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: California experiences 2.7 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, indicating a commitment to road safety despite a large number of drivers.
Speeding Violations: With only 0.2 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, California boasts one of the lowest rates in the country, likely due to a combination of traffic enforcement and driver awareness.

While navigating California’s highways might require patience, the laid-back stereotype associated with the West Coast seems to hold true on the roads. Perhaps it’s the sunshine or the promise of scenic views, but drivers here seem to prioritize reaching their destination safely over engaging in aggressive behaviors.

3. Virginia

Virginia’s score of 42.6 ties with California, making it the state with the 2nd-lowest level of road rage. The state's emphasis on historical preservation seems to extend to a more courteous driving culture.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Virginia reports 1.2 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, contributing to a sense of safety on its roads.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 20.7% of accidents in Virginia, suggesting a focus on safe driving practices.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Virginia experiences 2.3 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, a low figure indicating that aggressive driving is less of a factor even in serious accidents.
Speeding Violations: Virginia maintains a relatively low rate of speeding violations, with 1 violation per 100,000 residents, suggesting a respect for traffic laws.

Virginia offers scenic drives and a driving culture prioritizing safety and courtesy from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a welcome reminder that Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying but a way of life that extends to sharing the road.

4. New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s score of 42.9 makes it the fourth state with the least road rage. Granite State drivers seem more likely to offer a friendly wave than an angry gesture.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: New Hampshire reports 3.3 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents. While higher than other low-ranking states, it’s balanced by exceptionally low figures in different categories.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in only 14.6% of accidents in New Hampshire, a remarkably low number that points to a culture of careful driving.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: The state experiences 1.4 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, highlighting a commitment to road safety.
Speeding Violations: New Hampshire drivers prioritize safety over speed, with only 0.4 speeding violations per 100,000 residents.

Known for its stunning fall foliage and charming towns, New Hampshire adds another reason to visit: peace of mind on the road. It seems the “Live Free or Die” motto doesn’t apply to reckless driving, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a stress-free journey.

5. New York

New York scores 43.5, making it the 5th state with the least road rage. While the city that never sleeps might evoke images of traffic jams and honking horns, the state paints a different picture overall.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: New York reports 0.7 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents. This low rate might be attributed to stricter gun control measures and a lower tolerance for firearm use in road rage incidents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving is a factor in 37.4% of accidents in New York. While this number is moderate compared to other states, it suggests that drivers in New York are relatively cautious.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: New York experiences 2.1 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, a relatively low figure indicating a degree of focus on safety.
Speeding Violations: New York has a low rate of speeding violations, with only 0.5 violations per 100,000 residents. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased traffic enforcement in urban areas.

While navigating New York City might require some assertiveness, a calmer driving culture appears to prevail outside the city limits. This is a reminder that generalizations about a state based on its most populated areas don’t always tell the whole story.

6. Massachusetts

Massachusetts scores 43.8, making it the 6th state with the least road rage. Despite its reputation for fast-paced city living, the Bay State seems to have a handle on road rage.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Massachusetts reports 1.4 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving contributes to 32.3% of accidents in the state. This moderate level suggests a generally safe driving environment.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Massachusetts experiences 1.9 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, indicating a focus on road safety.
Speeding Violations: With one of the lowest speeding violation rates in the country, Massachusetts drivers commit only 0.5 violations per 100,000 residents. This is likely due, in part, to effective traffic enforcement.

From historic Boston to the scenic Berkshires, Massachusetts offers drivers a chance to experience the state’s beauty without the stress of rampant road rage. It seems a commitment to education extends beyond the classroom to promoting responsible driving habits.

7. Washington

Washington scores 44.6, making it the 7th state with the least road rage. The Evergreen State seems to promote a sense of tranquility that extends to its roads.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Washington reports 1.5 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents, a relatively low rate that contributes to a sense of safety.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: In Washington, 27.6% of accidents involve aggressive or careless driving. This figure suggests that most drivers in the state are generally cautious.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: The state experiences 2.5 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents. This lower number indicates a decreased likelihood of aggressive driving leading to serious accidents.
Speeding Violations: Washington maintains a relatively low rate of speeding violations, with only 0.5 per 100,000 residents.

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and thriving cities, Washington adds another layer of appeal: a calmer commute. The state’s emphasis on outdoor recreation and environmental consciousness might translate to a more mindful approach to driving.

8. Wyoming

Wyoming scores 45.2, making it the 8th state with the least road rage. The wide-open spaces of the Cowboy State seem to translate to a more relaxed attitude behind the wheel.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Wyoming reports only 1 firearm-related road rage incident per 100,000 residents, suggesting a strong reluctance to involve weapons in driving disputes.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Wyoming's remarkably low rate of 18.6% of accidents involving aggressive or careless driving could be attributed to less traffic congestion and a generally calmer driving environment.
Accidents With Fatalities—Aggressive/Careless Driving: Wyoming experiences 3.8 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents. While this figure is higher than other low-ranking states, it is balanced by exceptionally low rates in different categories.
Speeding Violations: Drivers in Wyoming commit only 0.5 speeding violations per 100,000 residents, a very low rate likely influenced by the vast distances between destinations.

Perhaps it’s the wide-open roads or the spirit of self-reliance, but Wyoming drivers prioritize safety and courtesy. It’s a reminder that a slower pace of life sometimes translates to a more enjoyable driving experience.

9. South Dakota

South Dakota scores 46, making it the 9th state with the least road rage. Mount Rushmore isn't the only monumental thing in this state; its commitment to courteous driving is also noteworthy.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: South Dakota reports a very low 0.9 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100,000 residents. This points to a strong aversion to firearm use in road rage incidents.
Percentage of Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Only 27.3% of accidents in South Dakota involve aggressive or careless driving. This low percentage suggests that drivers in the state generally prioritize safe driving practices.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: South Dakota experiences 3.6 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents. Although slightly higher than other states on this list, this number is balanced by extremely low figures in different categories.
Speeding Violations: South Dakota's drivers respect speed limits, with only 0.4 violations occurring per 100,000 residents.

Known for its stunning natural beauty and friendly locals, South Dakota extends that welcoming spirit to its roadways. A slower pace of life combined with respect for their surroundings makes for a calmer driving experience.

10. Iowa

Iowa scores 46.2, making it the 10th state with the least road rage. Hawkeye State's drivers seem to prefer cornfields to confrontations on the road.

Firearm-Related Road Rage Incidents: Iowa boasts one of the lowest rates of firearm-related road rage incidents in the country, with only 0.7 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Percentage of Accidents—Aggressive/Careless Driving: Only 33.6% of accidents in Iowa involve aggressive or careless driving, which signifies a lower-than-average likelihood of drivers engaging in aggressive behavior.
Accidents With Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: Iowa experiences 3.2 accidents involving fatalities due to aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, suggesting a commitment to safe driving practices.
Speeding Violations: Iowa's remarkably low rate of speeding violations, with only 0.3 per 100,000 residents, contributes to its ranking as a state with minimal road rage.

Known for its heartland values and sense of community, Iowa’s low road rage ranking aligns with its reputation for being a safe and welcoming place.

Methodology:

This study evaluates and ranks U.S. states based on the prevalence and severity of road rage, analyzing six key factors to determine which states harbor the most aggressive drivers.

Data Normalization and Scoring

Data points were normalized to a scale of 40 to 100 to ensure comparability. Weights were assigned to each metric based on its significance:

Firearm-related Incidents: 0.2
Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: 0.1
Fatalities - Aggressive/Careless Driving: 0.1
Fatal Accidents - Aggressive/Careless Driving: 0.25
Fatalities from Aggressive/Careless Driving: 0.25
Speeding Violations: 0.1

Score Calculation:

Category Score: For each metric, the normalized value for each state was multiplied by its corresponding weight. These weighted values were then summed to generate a category score.
Final Score: Category scores were normalized to a scale of 40 to 90 to produce a final road rage score for each state. This final score represents a composite measure of a state's overall road rage severity.

Data Sources:

The Trace
NHTSA - Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)