Some drivers need to take a deep breath and put both hands on the wheel
Road rage is something many of us have witnessed or even experienced firsthand, but some states in the U.S. have earned a reputation for having it worse than others. A new report has highlighted the states where drivers are most likely to encounter dangerous and aggressive behavior behind the wheel. Here’s a rundown of the worst offenders, with specific data and real-world examples to illustrate just how serious the problem can be.
1. Louisiana
Louisiana has the highest rate of fatal crashes and traffic deaths linked to aggressive or careless driving in the US, with nearly 60% of such incidents attributed to this behavior. This places Louisiana in the top spot for the second consecutive year. The state also has the highest rate of fatal crashes and deaths involving aggressive or careless driving per 100,000 people. According to the accounts of 973 The Dawg, the state also has the second-highest rate of careless driving and speeding citations, with real-life incidents, such as a frightening case where a woman was killed in a road rage confrontation, underscore the severity of the issue.
2. Texas
Texas ranks second for worst drivers, with 2.5 road rage incidents and 7.2 aggressive driving fatal accidents per 100,000 residents. Aggressive and careless driving contributed to over 37% of all accidents and over 38% of all fatalities in the state. As reported by, ForthWorth Culture Map,Texas also has a high number of total vehicle crashes and motorcycle fatalities, with many deaths involving unhelmeted drivers. Cities like Houston and Fort Worth are often cited for having dangerous driving conditions and pedestrian risks, particularly in Texas. Houston’s Zero Vision Reports show that pedestrians account for a significant portion of traffic deaths and serious injuries in the city. Similarly, Fort Worth has a high number of traffic accidents, including those involving pedestrians, and is considered one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians in Texas.
3. Florida
Florida has earned the notorious title of having some of the worst drivers in the nation, ranking high in overall driving infractions, according to Pensacola News Journal, a study by Forbes Advisor that analyzed metrics like speeding, fatalities, and DUI. With a high rate of aggressive driving incidents, road rage, and fatal crashes, Florida drivers are considered among the very hazardous on the road. In fact, Florida does have a high number of traffic crashes and fatalities compared to other states, and there are reports about Florida ranking among the worst for driving. According to The Zebra, Florida is tied for third best drivers, meaning it also has a high number of crashes and fatalities. LendingTree’s report also mentions that Florida has a high number of drivers with at least one incident. This concerning trend highlights the need for increased road safety awareness and defensive driving practices in the state.
4. New Mexico
New Mexico has the highest rate of road rage incidents involving guns with a record of over four times the national average.a report from Everytown for Gun Safety indicated that New Mexico has the highest rate of road rage incidents involving guns in the US, with a rate over four times the national average. This means that New Mexico has a significantly higher number of road rage incidents involving firearms compared to the rest of the country. These violent confrontations have led to families leaving the state for their safety, as seen in a recent incident where a woman was hospitalized after a road rage brawl escalated to violence.
5. Colorado
In 2024, Colorado saw 575 aggressive driving-related incidents that resulted in injury or death. These incidents, according to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), involved aggressive drivers engaging in behaviors like speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and cutting off other drivers. Aggressive behaviors include speeding, unsafe lane changes, and even driving on shoulders. Even another report claimed that the authorities receive daily calls about aggressive drivers, and law enforcement urges the public not to confront these individuals due to the unpredictable risk of violence.
6. Arkansas
Arkansas is no stranger to violent road rage, it has experienced an increase in violent road rage incidents, including those involving weapons. In 2024, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) reported a rise in aggressive driving and road rage cases, with some incidents resulting in fights, arrests and criminal charges. ASP also noted that this surge in road rage cases happens particularly during the holiday season. For example, a recent incident involved a Texas man firing a weapon at another driver on I-40, with a juvenile present in the car. Thankfully, the suspect was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, highlighting the dangers of armed confrontations on the road.
7. Montana
While Montana has a low population density and generally uncongested roads, it experiences a significant number of road rage incidents, including those involving weapons. Despite fewer citations for aggressive driving compared to national averages, Montana has a high rate of fatal accidents attributed to careless driving. This suggests that even with less traffic, certain drivers may be more prone to aggressive behaviors. A recent case in Bozeman involved a weapon being brandished, leading to a police pursuit and injuries to an officer.
8. Delaware
Delaware is known for having a significant number of speeding tickets, with one study ranking it 10th in the nation for speeding violations. A study by car insurance comparison platform Insurify found that 13.18% of Delaware drivers have a speeding ticket, which is 21% higher than the national average. Another 2024 report by The News Journal indicated that aggressive or careless driving was a factor in 47.6% of accidents in Delaware. As a result, the state has enacted stricter penalties to combat a growing number of highway fatalities, but aggressive driving remains a persistent problem. This is because Delaware also has a high state-level rate of failure to stop violations, including failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, at 3.32%, which is the highest in the nation.
9. California
California is often cited as having a high incidence of aggressive driving and road rage. While specific recent statistics may vary, studies consistently place California near the top of lists regarding confrontational driving and road rage. Further studies have ranked California as having the most confrontational drivers, with a significant percentage of drivers reporting incidents like being cut off, blocked, tailgated, or insulted. Furthermore, behaviors like speeding, hard braking, and accelerating are frequently observed in California, contributing to its high ranking for aggressive driving. Its large population and congested roads also contribute to frequent road rage incidents.
10. Ohio
Ohio has been identified as one of the top 10 states with the most confrontational drivers, with road rage incidents on the rise. A Forbes Advisor study ranked Ohio at number 10 for road rage incidents. This ranking indicates a significant issue with aggressive driving and road rage contributing to traffic incidents in Ohio. The state has also seen a significant increase in road rage incidents, with 19.5% of Ohio drivers reporting experiencing road rage “very frequently,”. Heavy traffic, running late, and stress have been cited as common triggers for road rage. Furthermore , behaviors like tailgating, honking, yelling, and making rude gestures are reported to be common in Ohio. If you’re driving in any of these states, it’s wise to stay alert, remain calm, and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers.
Have you experienced road rage in your state? Share your story or tips for staying calm behind the wheel in the comments below, let’s help each other make the roads a friendlier place.
