Arizona ranked as Forbes's number one state with the most confrontational drivers. In their survey, 22.5% of Arizona drivers reported being forced off the road. Meanwhile, 81% of Arizona drivers reported that they had gotten into some sort of altercation with another driver.
On top of that, the state tied with Oklahoma for having the third-highest percentage of drivers who had been tailgated at 70.5%.
In the land of cheese and Packers pride, road rage runs surprisingly hot. Wisconsin ranks as one of the most confrontational states for drivers, scoring 72.34 out of 100 on the road-rage Richter scale. About 13% of drivers reported being forced off the road (yikes!), while 32.5% had their merging or lane-changing dreams dashed by inconsiderate drivers.
A brazen 40% admitted to being deliberately cut off, and a whopping 52% have been tailgated — Wisconsin’s favorite unwelcome car-to-car hug. As for insults and threats? 23.5% of drivers have heard it all. While the state might be known for its friendly Midwest charm, it seems that charm doesn’t extend to the highways!
Rhode Island ranked in second place for having the most road rage. Tied with both Alabama and Illinois, an astounding 63.5% of drivers said that they are frequently blocked by other drivers while attempting to change lanes.
Additionally, 96.5% said that they were yelled at, threatened, or cursed at by other drivers. Rhode Island drivers are often cut off by other drivers as well, according to 62.5% of those surveyed.
A dash of road anger is a part of the Motor City spirit in Michigan. With a score of 70.51 out of 100, the Great Lakes State isn’t so great when it comes to driver courtesy. About 12% of Michiganders have been forced off the road, while 32.5% have experienced that dreaded lane-blocking standoff.
A bold 37% reported being cut off on purpose, and an impressive 55.5% have been tailgated — because apparently, personal space is optional on Michigan roads. And if you think it ends there, 27% of drivers have been on the receiving end of insults or threats. Whether you're in Detroit traffic or cruising up north, Michigan roads can feel more like a battleground than a boulevard!
West Virginia ranked third because drivers there are regularly subjected to tailgating (77%), rude gestures (75%), or some form of altercation (61%).
West Virginia residents tied with Texas when it came to motorists getting cut off by other drivers at 63%. The most notable statistic, however, was that 94.5% of West Virginia drivers had been subjected to verbal abuse by other drivers.
New Mexico’s desert highways might be scenic, but the road rage is anything but serene. With a score of 69.12 out of 100, the Land of Enchantment can feel downright confrontational behind the wheel. About 10% of drivers have faced the nerve-wracking experience of being forced off the road, while 30.5% have been blocked when trying to merge or change lanes.
A startling 44.5% have been deliberately cut off, proving that even in wide-open spaces, tempers run tight. Tailgating is a common grievance, with 53% feeling the pressure from cars riding too close. And for 29.5% of drivers, a dose of roadside insults or threats caps off the experience. On New Mexico’s roads, the heat isn’t just from the sun!
Around 50% of Virginia drivers from the Forbes survey indicated that another driver actually exited their vehicle to yell at or physically fight them, while up to 89% said they were verbally abused.
Virginia ranks not just fourth overall but also fourth for being most likely to get cut off by other drivers at 59%, according to the survey.
Around 60% of Oklahoma residents admitted to experiences of road rage, and an even higher 70.5% of drivers were subjected to tailgating.
In addition to being tied with Arizona for tailgating, Oklahoma is also tied with Virginia for the percentage of surveyees getting cut off by other drivers on purpose.
The flashing lights of Las Vegas appear to throw a dark shadow of severe road rage in Nevada. With a score of 67.45 out of 100, the Silver State isn’t exactly golden when it comes to courteous driving. Around 9% of drivers reported being forced off the road, while 30.5% have had their lane-changing hopes blocked.
A daring 45% have been deliberately cut off, and 50.5% have been tailgated — because what’s a drive in Nevada without someone too close for comfort? Insults and threats were dished out to 26.5% of drivers, proving that the stakes aren’t just high at the blackjack table. On Nevada’s roads, it’s clear that what happens in traffic definitely doesn’t stay in traffic!
Along with Rhode Island and Illinois, around 63.5% of Alabama drivers often face getting blocked by other drivers while trying to change lanes. It seems they are taking defensive driving a little too far.
Further, 70.5% of drivers have been subjected to offensive gestures by other motorists as a result of road rage. Verbal abuse was even worse with 87% reporting verbal abuse by other drivers.
Connecticut ranked second when it came to tailgating and third when it came to getting run off the road. And then there’s the 49.5% of drivers who were cut off on purpose.
Some road rage incidents (25%) led to people exiting their car to fight with another driver, while an astounding 70% of drivers were at least honked at as a result of road rage.
Illinois drivers stand out nationally for several aggressive driving incidents. They top the list for being forced off the road (23.5%) and tie with Alabama and Rhode Island for attempts to block lane changes (63.5%).
Illinois also ranks sixth for confrontations outside vehicles (29.5%), while tying with Connecticut for the tenth-highest incidence of rude gestures (61%) among drivers reporting such behavior.
Louisiana’s roads might wind through bayous and bluesy cities, but the vibe behind the wheel can hit a sour note. Scoring 63.16 out of 100, the Pelican State has its share of road rage. About 11% of drivers reported being forced off the road, while a significant 34.5% experienced the frustration of being blocked from merging or changing lanes.
A bold 37.5% were deliberately cut off, and 45.5% have felt the pressure of a tailgater on their bumper. Meanwhile, 23.5% of Louisiana drivers have endured insults or threats, adding a bit of heat to an already spicy driving experience. On these roads, it’s clear that the state’s famous hospitality doesn’t always extend to traffic!
Texas drivers are among the nation's highest in reporting aggressive driving behaviors, tying with West Virginia for deliberate cutting off (63%) and with Rhode Island for honking out of frustration (79%).
They rank second for rude gestures (73%) and fourth for confrontations outside vehicles (46.5%). Additionally, Texas is seventh worst for being forced off the road (12.5%) and for verbal altercations (77.5%).
Bearing the weight of every election must be hard on poor Ohio because they definitely got a case of road rage, with 76% of Ohio drivers saying they’ve been honked at.
To make matters worse, 51.5% of drivers were cut off, and 63% of drivers were at the receiving end of a rude gesture or two. On top of that, 65% were yelled at, cursed at, insulted, or threatened.
In North Carolina, sweet tea and southern charm don’t always make it to the driver’s seat. Tied with New Mexico at a score of 69.12 out of 100, road rage here is a frequent passenger. Around 12.5% of drivers have been forced off the road, while 31% faced the frustration of being blocked from merging or changing lanes.
A bold 43.5% reported being cut off on purpose, and a hefty 56.5% have endured tailgating — apparently a Tar Heel tradition. Add to that 25.5% of drivers who’ve been insulted or threatened, and it’s clear that North Carolina’s roads aren’t always paved with politeness. Whether in the mountains or at the coast, driving here is often more brawl than breeze!
California takes the crown as the most confrontational state for drivers, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100. In the Golden State, road rage is a frequent companion — drivers are regularly cut off, cursed at, or tailgated. In fact, nearly half (47.5%) of drivers report being purposely cut off by others.
Yelling, insults, and threats are common, with 32% of drivers saying they've been on the receiving end of verbal abuse. Road rage is so frequent that 8.5% of Californians experience it regularly. Tailgating is rampant, with 60.5% of drivers saying they’ve been closely followed. Perhaps the most shocking stat: 11% of drivers claim another has exited their vehicle to yell or fight. California's roads are clearly a battleground!
In New Jersey, road rage is almost as iconic as the Turnpike itself. Scoring 61.94 out of 100, the Garden State delivers a driving experience that’s anything but tranquil. Around 8.5% of drivers have been forced off the road, while 35.5% encountered lane-blocking battles. A daring 38.5% reported being cut off on purpose, and a staggering 55.5% have been tailgated — because apparently, personal space is a foreign concept on Jersey roads.
Adding to the chaos, 29.5% of drivers faced insults or threats, making it clear that New Jersey’s notorious directness extends to traffic. Whether navigating through dense cities or scenic shores, driving in the Garden State is always an adventure — and not always the fun kind!
Missouri isn’t far behind California when it comes to road rage, claiming second place for the most confrontational drivers. The Show-Me State has the highest percentage of drivers who have been yelled at, insulted, or threatened — 33.5%. Almost half (48%) of Missouri drivers report being cut off on purpose, while 13.5% say they've been forced off the road entirely.
Honking in frustration is common here too, with 60.5% of drivers hearing that all-too-familiar honk. Offensive gestures are rampant, with 45.5% of drivers on the receiving end of rude hand signs. Missouri ranks high for road rage, with 37% of drivers claiming others try to block their lane changes. Tailgating is also prevalent, affecting 59.5% of drivers. Missouri’s roads are clearly a pressure cooker of frustration!
Utah takes road rage to new heights, with drivers here facing some of the highest confrontation rates in the country. Nearly half (49.5%) of Utah drivers report being purposely cut off, while 42.5% say other drivers have tried to block their lane changes. Rude gestures are a common sight, with 54% of drivers on the receiving end of offensive hand signs.
Utah also tops the charts for honking, with 61.5% of drivers reporting that they've been honked at in frustration. Tailgating is another major issue, affecting 64.5% of drivers. As if that wasn't enough, 31.5% of Utah drivers have been yelled at, cursed at, or threatened by another driver. It’s clear — Utah's roads are anything but peaceful!
Colorado’s roads are a battleground for driver confrontations, with a high percentage of angry encounters. A shocking 13% of drivers report another driver getting out of their vehicle to yell at or even fight with them. Colorado also ranks fourth for the percentage of drivers who’ve been intentionally cut off (46%) or blocked from merging (38.5%).
Verbal abuse is a common experience too, with 31.5% of drivers having been yelled at, insulted, or cursed at. Rude gestures are widespread, with 45% of Colorado drivers on the receiving end. Clearly, Colorado’s drivers are as fiery as their beautiful mountain scenery — keep your cool out there!
Tennessee may be famous for its music and mountains, but its roads sometimes hit a sour note. Scoring 58.60 out of 100, the Volunteer State sees its share of road rage. Around 11.5% of drivers have been forced off the road, while 28.5% have dealt with lane-blocking antics.
A bold 37.5% reported being deliberately cut off, and 47% have experienced the unwelcome tailgater riding their bumper. For 23.5% of Tennessee drivers, the soundtrack to their commute includes insults or threats. Whether you're cruising through Nashville or winding through the Smokies, driving in Tennessee might leave you singing the blues!
Mississippi drivers have a reputation for being especially quick to escalate confrontations. The state ranks highest for the percentage of drivers who have experienced another driver exiting their vehicle to yell at or even fight with them — 13.5%. It’s also tied for third place with 13.5% of drivers reporting they've been forced off the road.
Road rage is a frequent issue in Mississippi, with 7.5% of drivers experiencing it often. The state ranks 11th for drivers being cut off on purpose (43%) or blocked while merging (35.5%). With tensions running high on Mississippi’s roads, drivers here may want to keep their cool — or risk a fiery confrontation!
Indiana drivers are no strangers to tense moments on the road, tying with Virginia as one of the most confrontational states. The Hoosier State ranks fifth for the percentage of drivers (12%) who’ve had another driver exit their vehicle to yell at or even fight with them.
Nearly half (44.5%) of Indiana drivers report being cut off on purpose, while 58.5% say they’ve been tailgated. Road rage is common, with 27.5% of drivers experiencing insults, curses, or threats from others. Whether it’s angry gestures or a tense stare-off, Indiana’s roads are full of high-strung drivers ready to turn up the heat.
While driving across Arkansas, you might not always experience tranquility due to the state's rural landscape. With a score of 60.71 out of 100, road rage finds its way even onto back roads. A hefty 16% of drivers have been forced off the road, making Arkansas stand out for this unsettling experience.
Meanwhile, 27% have faced lane-blocking frustration, and 35% reported being deliberately cut off. Tailgating is a popular pastime, with 51% feeling the unwelcome pressure of cars riding too close. Insults and threats have been hurled at 26.5% of drivers, adding a fiery touch to the southern charm. From Little Rock to the Ozarks, driving in Arkansas can be as unpredictable as the weather!
New York is notorious for its high-strung drivers, with the Big Apple leading the charge in road rage incidents. The state has the highest percentage of drivers (13.5%) who’ve experienced another driver exiting their vehicle to yell at or fight with them. Road rage is a frequent issue here, with 11.5% of New Yorkers facing it on a regular basis.
Merging can be a struggle too, as 37% of drivers report others trying to block their lanes. New Yorkers also face forced off-road experiences, with 12.5% of drivers having been pushed off the road by an aggressive motorist. With tempers running high, New York’s roads are a pressure cooker of confrontation.
Maryland drivers are no strangers to road rage, with the state ranking among the worst in the nation for aggressive driving. A staggering 39.5% of Maryland drivers report being blocked from merging or changing lanes by other motorists, making it the third-highest in the country.
The Old Line State also ranks fifth for the percentage of drivers (45.5%) who’ve been purposely cut off. Road rage is a frequent issue, with 8.5% of Maryland drivers experiencing it regularly. Whether it’s aggressive blocking or intentional cutting off, Maryland’s roads are full of high-intensity driving, making for a tense and stressful commute.
Kansas may be known for its wide-open prairies, but the roads can still feel crowded with confrontation. Scoring 56.04 out of 100, the Sunflower State sees its share of road rage drama. About 9% of drivers reported being forced off the road, while 29.5% faced the frustration of lane-blocking maneuvers.
A daring 40% admitted to being deliberately cut off, and a startling 56% have endured tailgating—because even with all that space, some drivers just can’t keep their distance. Insults and threats were reported by 21.5% of Kansans, adding a touch of tension to the otherwise peaceful plains. Whether you're on the backroads or the highways, driving in Kansas can sometimes feel like a bumpy ride!
Massachusetts drivers face a serious issue with aggressive driving, which plays a role in 32.3% of accidents in the state. The consequences can be deadly, as aggressive driving results in 1.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents.
Despite having one of the lowest speeding violation rates in the country (0.5 per 100,000 residents), road rage still runs high in Massachusetts. Common acts of road rage include honking, yelling, and tailgating.
In fact, road rage is a factor in over half of fatal crashes, contributing to 218 murders and 12,610 injuries over a seven-year period. These incidents tend to spike in the summer months and at the end of the week, with younger drivers (aged 19 to 24) more likely to engage in aggressive behavior. Massachusetts’ roads are certainly a hotspot for stress and confrontation behind the wheel.
Minnesota stands out as a rare calm zone in the world of road rage, ranking as the state with the least aggressive driving. In fact, Minnesota appears near the bottom of the list for car accidents, coming in at a comfortable 46th place. Only 5.5% of drivers have been forced off the road by aggressive drivers.
However, it's not entirely peaceful — 54.5% of Minnesota drivers have still experienced being yelled at, insulted, or threatened. While Minnesotans may keep their cool behind the wheel, the occasional verbal confrontation still makes its way onto the roads.
