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% of Road Fatalities That Result from Road Rage

Buckle up for some surprising statistics that show how aggressive driving factors into the shockingly high number of fatal crashes across the United States. While road rage might conjure images of yelling drivers and obscene gestures, the consequences of such behavior can be tragically real.

Angry drivers tend to make impulsive and reckless decisions, such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or tailgating. These actions significantly increase the risk of accidents. On top of that, certain situations can escalate, wherein a scene of an accident becomes the scene of a crime.

Data compiled by Consumer Affairs reveals the percentage of fatal crashes in each state where aggressive driving behavior played the biggest role. Some states boast lower percentages, highlighting a greater focus on defensive driving and road safety. How did your state do? Let’s take a look!

Alabama

Alabama

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 27.5%

Alabama ranks 40th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for its percentage of road rage fatalities. There are around 5.36 fatalities out of every 100,000 residents due to reckless driving. Firearm violence is also a problem in the state with 0.52 incidents per every 100,000 residents.

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Alaska

Alaska

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 46.3%

Alaska's breathtaking scenery is a major draw for tourists and residents alike. However, venturing onto the Last Frontier's roadways comes with a surprising reality.  A staggering 46.3% of fatal crashes in Alaska involve aggressive driving, according to statistics.

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Arizona

Arizona

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 31.9%

Arizona's sunny climate and desert beauty attract visitors year-round. However, drivers in the Grand Canyon State should be aware of a concerning trend on the roads. Statistics reveal that 31.9% of fatal crashes in Arizona are attributed to aggressive driving.

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Arkansas

Arkansas

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 63.6%

Arkansas has the third-highest percentage of road rage fatalities in the country. While they don’t usually involve firearm altercations, their aggressive driving habits cannot be ignored. The state suffers from a rate of 13.43 fatalities per 100,000 residents – the second worst number in the country.

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California

California

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 26.9%

Despite the sheer number of cars on the road, California actually has one of the lowest percentages of accidents and fatalities due to road rage, ranking as the ninth lowest in the country. Incidents involving firearms are not as high as in the rest of the country – but ideally, they should be at zero.

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Colorado

Colorado

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 63.4%

While Colorado's breathtaking mountain landscapes and rural roads conjure images of peaceful drives, the reality is that Denver, the state's bustling capital, faces traffic congestion and frustration behind the wheel. It has the fourth-highest percentage of road rage fatalities.

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Connecticut

Connecticut

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 45.4%

Connecticut ranks 16th for having one of the highest percentages of road rage fatalities in the country. With over 45% of traffic fatalities having to do with reckless driving, Connecticut appears to need some anger management before it can lower its fatality rate.

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DC

DC

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 40.6%

The District of Columbia ranks as at number 21 with one of the highest percentages of road rage fatalities, with a record of over 40%. To make matters worse, it has one of the highest rates of incidents involving firearms.. As the nation’s capital, DC isn’t setting a great example for the rest of the country.

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Delaware

Delaware

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 46.9%

Delaware may be small, but it has some pretty big road rage problems. While firearm incidents are below the national average, reckless driving, and especially speeding, are pretty significant issues in the state.

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Florida

Florida

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 49.2%

Most won’t be surprised by Florida’s 49.2% road rage fatality statistic, but on the Brightside, most of those incidents don’t involve firearms. Still, the 7.81 fatal incidents for every 100,000 residents is troubling nonetheless.

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Georgia

Georgia

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 43.6%

Georgia drivers may exhibit higher rates of speeding compared to neighboring states, potentially due to factors like traffic congestion or stress. This trend translates to a concerning increase in fatal accidents linked to careless driving. Georgia ranks as the 18th worst for road rage fatalities.

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Hawaii

Hawaii

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 39.7%

Despite its idyllic reputation, Hawaii has a moderate issue with aggressive driving. A troubling 39.7% of fatal crashes in the Aloha State involve aggressive behavior. Maybe the low speed limits are frustrating for many drivers.

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Idaho

Idaho

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 33.0%

Idaho may be full of delicious potatoes, but it’s also filled with some pretty angry ones too. Aggressive driving contributes to a fairly significant 33.0% of fatal crashes in the state. Idaho's stunning landscapes offer some spectacular road trips, but you might want to cruise those roads with caution.

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Illinois

Illinois

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 51.0%

 

Traffic congestion and frustration seem to translate to aggressive driving in Illinois. A staggering 51.0% of fatal crashes involve aggressive behavior, making it a state with a particularly high risk for road rage incidents. Illinois also has one of the higher rates of incidents involving firearms that have contributed to fatalities.

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Indiana

Indiana

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 44.7%

Indiana's friendly reputation doesn't extend to all situations.  Aggressive driving is a factor in a concerning 44.7% of fatal crashes in the state. In addition to its high fatality rate, it also have a higher percentage of incidents involving firearms.

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Iowa

Iowa

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 34.6%

While known for its agricultural landscapes, Iowa also emphasizes road safety.  Aggressive driving contributes to 34.6% of fatal crashes, a significant number but lower than some neighboring states.

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Kansas

Kansas

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 42.2%

Kansas' vast highways offer a sense of freedom, but responsible driving is crucial.  Aggressive behavior is a factor in 42.2% of fatal crashes, highlighting the importance of staying calm behind the wheel.

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Kentucky

Kentucky

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 33.9%

Kentucky's hospitality is legendary, but caution is needed on the roads. A concerning 33.9% of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving, suggesting a need for defensive driving practices.

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Louisiana

Louisiana

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 62.8%

Lousiana’s trend of aggressive driving behaviors is reflected in its crash statistics. In Louisiana, an alarming 62.2% of accidents are attributed to aggressive or careless driving. This, unfortunately, contributes to a rise in traffic fatalities within the state.

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Maine

Maine

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 30.2%

Maine's stunning coastline and picturesque villages are a draw for many, but visitors and residents alike should be aware of a concerning trend. Statistics show that 30.2% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior. Luckily, there were no road rage incidents with firearms. This highlights the importance of defensive driving practices and staying calm behind the wheel to navigate Maine's scenic byways safely.

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Maryland

Maryland

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 46.1%

Maryland's vibrant cities and historic charm may not always translate to courteous driving behavior. A staggering 46.1% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving, placing it among the highest rates in the nation.  This statistic is a stark reminder for Maryland drivers to manage their emotions and practice defensive driving techniques to ensure a safer journey.

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Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 32.7%

While Massachusetts boasts historic cities and a welcoming atmosphere, a shadow lurks on its roadways. A concerning 32.7% of fatal crashes in the state are attributed to aggressive driving. This statistic underscores the need for defensive driving habits and maintaining a cool head behind the wheel, whether navigating bustling city streets or scenic country roads in Massachusetts.

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Michigan

Michigan

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 36.9%

Michigan's stunning shorelines and vibrant cities offer a lot to explore. However, caution is advised, as 36.9% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior.  This significant number highlights the importance of staying focused and avoiding road rage incidents to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through Michigan's diverse landscapes.

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Minnesota

Minnesota

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 39.2%

Minnesota's reputation for natural beauty extends to its vast lakes and pristine landscapes. However, drivers navigating these scenic routes should be aware of a safety concern.  Statistics reveal that 39.2% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving.  Practicing defensive driving techniques and staying calm behind the wheel is crucial for a safe and memorable Minnesota road trip.

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Mississippi

Mississippi

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 30.3%

Mississippi's warm hospitality and rich culture extend a welcoming hand to visitors. However, a concerning trend emerges on the state's roads. Aggressive driving contributes to 30.3% of fatal crashes in Mississippi. While lower than some neighboring states, this statistic still emphasizes the importance of defensive driving practices and maintaining a calm demeanor on Mississippi roadways.

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Missouri

Missouri

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 34.1%

Missouri, known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and the iconic Gateway Arch, also faces a challenge on its roadways. Statistics reveal that a concerning 34.1% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior.

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Montana

Montana

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 71.8%

With so few people on the road, you’d think aggressive driving wouldn’t be the huge problem that it is, and yet Montana turns out to have the second-highest percentage of fatalities caused by aggressive driving. Evidently, people are in a rush to get to nowhere.

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Nebraska

Nebraska

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 48.4%

Nebraska, the Cornhusker State, is known for its friendly people and vast plains. However, a surprising statistic emerges when looking at traffic safety. A shockingly high 48.4% of fatal crashes in Nebraska involve aggressive driving behavior.

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Nevada

Nevada

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 42.1%

Nevada, synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, also offers stunning natural beauty beyond the neon lights. However, a shadow of road rage hangs over the state's highways. Statistics reveal that 42.1% of fatal crashes in Nevada involve aggressive driving. This significant number serves as a reminder for Nevada drivers to manage their frustrations and prioritize safe driving practices, whether navigating bustling city streets or cruising the scenic desert highways.

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 15.8%

New Hampshire has the lowest percentage of fatalities due to road rage at around 15.8%. There are just around 1.65 fatalities for every 100,000 people in road rage incidents. No other state comes close in this regard.

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New Jersey

New Jersey

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 72.8%

New Jersey takes the top spot, but not in a good way. The state has the highest percentage of road rage-related fatalities in the country, at a staggering 72.8%. Montana is the only state that comes close. While most cases of road rage don’t involve firearms, they do involve reckless behavior such as speeding, which can, in turn, lead to road fatalities.

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New Mexico

New Mexico

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 50.9%

While the number of road rage incidents in New Mexico may not be statistically higher than in other states, the state does see a concerningly high rate of these confrontations escalating to gun violence - 2.08 incidents per every 100,000 residents. Recent, well-publicized cases of fatal road rage shootings have unfortunately heightened public worries about aggression on New Mexico's roads. Adding to these concerns, data shows that the number of citations issued for careless driving in New Mexico is nearly double the national average.

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New York

New York

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 37.7%

In addition to the hustle and bustle of New York City, the entire state grapples with a surprising road rage issue. A concerning 37.7% of fatal crashes in New York involve aggressive driving behavior. This statistic highlights the importance of staying calm behind the wheel, whether navigating the tight streets of the Big Apple or cruising the scenic highways upstate.

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North Carolina

North Carolina

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 55.3%

North Carolina's highways, though not as notorious as the Jersey Turnpike, can experience congestion, particularly around Charlotte. Frustration caused by crowded roads is a potential contributor to aggressive driving, which is a factor in a higher-than-desired rate of traffic fatalities.  Recognizing this issue, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is actively working to alleviate traffic congestion.

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North Dakota

North Dakota

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 37.8%

North Dakota's vast prairies and open roads offer a sense of freedom. However, maintaining a cool head behind the wheel is crucial. Statistics show that 37.8% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior. Practicing defensive driving techniques and staying calm are essential for a safe and enjoyable journey through North Dakota's scenic landscapes. On the upside, North Dakota had no road rage incidents involving firearm violence.

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Ohio

Ohio

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 54.6%

Ohio, known for its vibrant cities and rich history, faces a significant challenge on its roadways. A troubling 54.6% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior, placing it among the highest rates in the nation.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 22.1%

Oklahoma has the fifth-lowest percentage of road rage fatalities. However, with nearly four fatalities per every 100,000 residents, its percentage value is nothing to scoff at.

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Oregon

Oregon

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 25.5%

Oregon captivates visitors with its stunning coastlines, lush forests, and vibrant cities. However, even on scenic drives, staying calm behind the wheel is crucial. Statistics show that 25.5% of fatal crashes in Oregon involve aggressive driving behavior. While this percentage is on the low side, it emphasizes the importance of keeping calm and carrying on.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 34.1%

Pennsylvania, known for its rich history, distinct culture, and cheesesteaks, faces a challenge regarding road rage. A concerning 34.1% of fatal crashes in the state involve aggressive driving behavior. Meanwhile, road rage with firearms remains a concern with 0.52 incidents for every 100,000 residents.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 26.9%

The smallest state on the map also has minimal road rage. Statistics show that 26.9% of fatal crashes in Rhode Island involve aggressive driving behavior.  However, even on such short stretches of highway, its residents must work to stay calm under pressure.

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South Carolina

South Carolina

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 21.3%

South Carolina ranks 49th when it comes to the percentage of road rage fatalities, coming in at over 21%. It has a somewhat high rate of incidents involving firearms as well. Nevertheless, with the third-lowest percentage of fatalities, road rage is much more controlled than in the rest of the states.

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South Dakota

South Dakota

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 25.5%

South Dakota’s percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving is in the bottom 10, making it one of the safer states when it comes to road rage. Like Maine and North Dakota, South Dakota had no incidents with firearms.

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Tennessee

Tennessee

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 35.4%

Tennessee, the birthplace of country music and home to the Great Smoky Mountains, offers a rich cultural experience. However, a concerning trend emerges on its roadways. Statistics show that 35.4% of fatal crashes in Tennessee involve aggressive driving behavior.

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Texas

Texas

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 38.8%

Texas, known for its wide-open spaces, friendly hospitality, and vibrant cities, faces a challenge on its roads. A troubling 38.8% of fatal crashes in the Lone Star State involve aggressive driving behavior, placing it moderately high among other states in the nation.

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Utah

Utah

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 37.0%

Utah's breathtaking natural beauty attracts visitors worldwide, from the towering peaks of the Wasatch Range to the red rock canyons of Zion National Park.  However, caution is advised behind the wheel. Statistics show that 37.0% of fatal crashes in Utah involve aggressive driving behavior. 

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Vermont

Vermont

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 26.3%

Vermont, known for its charming villages, covered bridges, and stunning fall foliage, offers a peaceful escape. This tranquility extends to the roadways, with a lower risk of aggressive driving fatalities compared to some other states. Statistics show that 26.3% of fatal crashes in Vermont involve aggressive driving behavior.

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Virginia

Virginia

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 21.3%

In Virginia, there are about 2.48 fatalities for every 100,000 people due to aggressive or reckless driving. The percentage of fatalities in Virginia is tied with South Carolina. However, the state gets far fewer citations for reckless driving compared to South Carolina.

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Washington

Washington

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 28.9%

Washington state, with its stunning natural beauty, from the majestic Cascade Mountains to the Puget Sound coastline, is a sight to behold. However, staying calm behind the wheel is important, even on scenic drives. Washington is not the worst of the bunch, but there’s definitely more room for improvement.

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West Virginia

West Virginia

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 29.9%

West Virginia fares slightly worse than Washington but manages to stay out of the top 25 worst states for road rage fatalities. Statistics show that 29.9% of fatal crashes in West Virginia involve aggressive driving behavior.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 57.6%

While Wisconsin is known for its dairy and friendly Midwestern culture, statistics suggest a different story on the state's roadways. Data shows a relatively high rate of aggressive driving behaviors, including armed road rage incidents (over 1 out of every 100,000 residents). This aggressive driving trend is also reflected in accident statistics, with a concerning percentage of crashes and fatalities attributed to careless or aggressive driving.

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Wyoming

Wyoming

Percentage of fatalities due to aggressive driving: 17.9%

Wyoming has the second-lowest percentage of fatalities due to road rage at 17.9%. The percentage of accidents, however, is slightly higher at 18.6%. It should be noted that Wyoming does have a fairly high rate of incidents with firearms compared to the other 50 states. There are about 0.5 for every 100,000 residents.

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