Colorado

Colorado Ranked Among Worst States for Road Rage – Here’s Why

Katie Baylett 0

Despite its reputation for mountain serenity and laid-back residents, Colorado drivers are among the most aggressive in the nation, according to a new Consumer Affairs study. The state ranked third-worst for road rage, trailing only Louisiana and New Mexico.

Why Colorado?

Colorado’s climb to the top of the bad-driving list was fueled by:

  • The highest rate in the nation for aggressive/careless driving and speeding tickets (1.81 per 100,000 residents — eight times the national average).

  • Elevated rates of:

    • Gun violence in traffic incidents

    • Fatal crashes involving aggressive or careless driving

    • Overall traffic fatalities tied to aggressive behavior

This comes in stark contrast to past surveys that rank Colorado among the friendliest and kindest states.

States With the Most Aggressive Drivers

(Consumer Affairs ranking)

  1. Louisiana

  2. New Mexico

  3. Colorado

  4. Arkansas

  5. Montana

  6. New Jersey

  7. North Carolina

  8. Hawaii

  9. Nevada

  10. Florida

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States With the Least Aggressive Drivers

  1. Maine

  2. Iowa

  3. California

  4. Mississippi

  5. Utah

  6. Virginia

  7. North Dakota

  8. Nebraska

  9. Oklahoma

  10. New Hampshire

What’s Behind the Rage?

The data points to speeding, recklessness, and violent altercations on the road as driving factors. Despite efforts by lawmakers to improve road safety — including camera-based speeding enforcement and stricter cellphone laws — aggressive driving continues to be a growing concern.

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Tips to Handle Road Rage

  • Set your mindset before driving: Prepare for stress, especially in congested areas.

  • Stay calm: Use breathing techniques or focus on music or your surroundings.

  • Create space: If threatened, avoid engaging and drive to a busy public place or police station.

  • Report it: Note license plates, vehicle make, and exact behavior if you feel unsafe.

How the Study Was Conducted

Consumer Affairs scored each state and Washington, D.C. using six key metrics:

  • Traffic-related gun violence incidents

  • Fatal crashes tied to aggressive or careless driving

  • Overall crash fatality rates involving aggressive driving

  • Percent of all accidents and fatalities caused by aggressive/careless driving

  • Violation rates for aggressive driving and speeding

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Data was pulled from:

  • 2023 Fatality Analysis Reporting System

  • 2022–2024 Gun Violence Archive

As traffic volume and driver frustration rise, so does the need for awareness and self-control behind the wheel — especially in states like Colorado, where aggression is becoming a dangerous norm.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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