The States Struggling Most With Aggressive Driving
Road rage isn’t just a bad day on the highway - it’s a national epidemic! According to a Forbes survey of 10,000 drivers, certain states are particularly prone to tempers flaring behind the wheel. From honks to high-speed tailgating, these states show that patience really is a virtue most drivers are ignoring.
Arizona
The desert heat doesn’t just cook your skin; it seems to fry tempers too. Arizona drivers often turn small annoyances into full-on freeway feuds, and 81% of drivers have been at loggerheads over it. From honking symphonies to mid-lane brake checks, navigating Arizona highways demands zen-like calm and the reflexes of a stunt driver.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, cold winters and frozen roads aren’t the only things making drivers shiver. Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and icy tempers are common. The cheese state’s drivers might smile at strangers, but behind the wheel, road rage can strike faster than a snowstorm - 13% of drivers have even been run off the road.
Rhode Island
Small state, big attitudes. Rhode Island’s narrow roads and congested streets mean tempers flare quickly. Drivers often interpret a simple lane merge as a personal affront; a whopping 96.5% of drivers reported being yelled at, cursed or threatened. In Rhode Island, knowing when to stay calm is as crucial as knowing the back roads.
Michigan
From potholes to rush hour, Michigan’s roads are a test of patience. Detroit’s gridlocks and icy highways fuel tempers, creating an environment where road rage is almost a competitive sport. Tailgating (according to 55% of affected drivers), aggressive merges, and flashing lights are all part of daily driving.
West Virginia
Winding mountain roads and tight passes mean that West Virginia drivers are constantly on edge. Add narrow lanes, unexpected wildlife, and the 75% of drivers on the receiving end of rude gestures, and you have a recipe for flare-ups. What starts as a simple honk can quickly escalate into a full-blown shouting match, so buckle up.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, the sun might be warm, but the drivers are often hot-headed. Desert highways, sudden stops, and a casual disregard for speed limits combine to make tempers flare. 53% of drivers reported tailgating, but aggressive merges and colorful gestures are also common.
Virginia
Virginia roads mix suburban calm with aggressive commuter chaos. Northern Virginia, in particular, is infamous for impatience during rush hour. Tailgaters lurk, merges are a minefield, and honking is practically a language. Even a simple lane change can trigger an outburst - 50% of Virginians report other drivers getting out of their vehicle for confrontations.
Oklahoma
Roughly 60% of Oklahoman drivers let frustration show on the asphalt! Straight, long highways might seem relaxing, but delays, merges, or unexpected stops often spark tempers. Tailgating and aggressive passing are frequent reactions, making road trips here an exercise in maintaining composure.
Nevada
Nevada’s highways are famous for speed, heat, and, unfortunately, impatient drivers. Las Vegas and Reno bring congestion, weaving, and an occasional honking duel. Even a simple lane change can produce hostility, with 45% of drivers experiencing intentional cut-offs.
Alabama
In Alabama, drivers mix southern charm with an oftentimes fiery attitude on the road. Rural backroads and city streets alike can produce aggressive tailgating, quick lane changes, and verbal exchanges - in fact, 87% of drivers have been victims of verbal abuse, making Alabama a state where a calm driver is truly a master of self-control.
Connecticut
Small roads, big frustration: Connecticut drivers have mastered the art of impatient commuting. Tight streets and heavy traffic can turn even a short drive into a stress test. Honks, brake-checks, and the occasional middle-finger salute are common, while 25% of people get out of their car to fight.
Illinois
Illinois drivers across the state are no strangers to road rage. From congested city streets to rural highways, tailgating and aggressive lane changes abound. Even minor delays can provoke reactions, turning calm drivers into honking warriors. 61% of drivers have experienced rude gestures, not to mention other unpleasantness!
Louisiana
In Louisiana, drivers bring southern hospitality… with a spicy twist behind the wheel. Narrow roads, sudden stops, and unpredictable traffic patterns often spark tempers. 45% of drivers report tailgating, and aggressive passing are frequent; honking is practically part of the culture.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the road rage. From sprawling highways to bustling city streets, drivers have little patience for slowpokes or merge mishaps. Aggressive gestures, tailgating, and speed disputes are standard fare. In the Lone Star State, 77.5% of drivers have been verbally abused while navigating the concrete jungle.
Ohio
Ohio drivers juggle unpredictable weather, traffic, and narrow city streets, often with little patience. Tailgating and sudden lane changes are common reactions to minor delays. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, keeping your cool is essential, as tempers flare faster than the snow melts in winter; 65% of drivers had heated verbal encounters.
North Carolina
The mix of mountains, highways, and city congestion can push North Carolina drivers to the edge. Tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and honking duels are frequent, especially during rush hour. Patience is a rare commodity, and 43.5% of drivers report being intentionally cut off.
California
Traffic jams are practically a state sport in California, where road rage is a high-speed hobby. Tailgating, horn symphonies, and more serious interactions abound - 11% of drivers say they’ve been accosted by people leaving their vehicles! Freeway merges become a psychological battlefield, and even a simple red light can trigger a meltdown.
New Jersey
The Garden State isn’t all turnpikes and diners; it’s a battleground for tempers. New Jersey drivers are infamous for aggressive driving, from sudden lane changes to confrontational honks. Minor delays often escalate quickly, turning commutes into stress marathons. A scary 8.5% of drivers have even been run off the road!
Missouri
Missouri drivers mix midwestern friendliness with a willingness to express irritation behind the wheel. From St. Louis traffic jams to rural two-lane roads, impatience can flare at the slightest provocation. Tailgating, aggressive passes, and heated gestures are common, while 48% of drivers claim they’ve been cut off on purpose.
Utah
Scenic roads and urban congestion collide in Utah, testing drivers’ patience daily. Tailgating (64.5% of drivers), sudden stops, and aggressive merging are all part of life behind the wheel. Even minor inconveniences can provoke tempers, and honking often serves as a conversation starter.
