10 States With the Most Confrontational Drivers

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Forbes Advisor.

Any driver these days has to potentially deal with the very rude behavior of other drivers. A new Forbes Advisor survey shows that some states’ drivers are more confrontational than others.

We analyzed 10 key metrics from a survey of 5,000 drivers across the nation to identify the states with the most confrontational drivers.

1. Utah

Utah’s score: 100 out of 100

Drivers in the Beehive State may not always be sweet as honey. According to our survey, Utah tops the list of states with the most confrontational drivers.

Utah’s residents were the most likely in the nation (76%) to report that another driver in their home state has honked at them in frustration. More than half (58%) of survey respondents in Utah said they have been on the receiving end of a rude or offensive gesture while driving.

Utah drivers were second most likely to say that another driver has tailgated them (73%) and that another driver has exceeded the speed limit just to block them from changing lanes (47%).

Of those surveyed, about 1 in 4 Utah drivers (27%) said they know of someone in their state who was injured due to a road rage incident.

2. Missouri

Missouri’s score: 99.62 out of 100

Show-Me State drivers were more likely than those in any other state to say that another driver cut them off on purpose (54%). They also were most likely to report that another driver pointed a gun at them or shot them (8%).

Missouri tied with Indiana as the second most likely state to experience offensive gestures from another driver (54%) and tied with Massachusetts as the second most likely to have another driver yell, insult or curse at them (50%).

More than a quarter (27%) said that they know of someone in Missouri who was injured as a result of a road rage incident.

3. Colorado

Colorado’s score: 94.74 out of 100

Coloradans aren’t afraid of confrontation either, it seems. Centennial State drivers were the third most likely in the nation to say they were followed by another driver who proceeded to exit their vehicle to yell at or fight with them (14%).

Drivers in this state tie with Alabama, Connecticut and Washington as the fourth most likely to report being insulted or threatened by other drivers (46%). And more than half of survey respondents (52%) reported witnessing other drivers making rude or offensive gestures.

When it comes to road rage-related injuries, Colorado is nearly tied with Missouri. A quarter (25%) of Centennial State drivers report they know of someone who sustained injuries after a road rage incident.

4. Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s score: 92.86 out of 100

Drivers in the Sooner State were the third most likely in the nation to say that another driver in their state has exceeded the speed limit to block their car from changing lanes (43%), tied with New Mexico and Wyoming. They also ranked third for being forced off the road by another driver (9%), tied with Alabama and Delaware.

More than half (52%) of Oklahoma drivers were the recipient of rude or offensive gestures. Sooners also frequently reported being tailgated (66%) or honked at (69%).

Just over 20% report knowing someone who was injured in a road rage incident.

5. New Mexico

New Mexico’s score: 91.17 out of 100

New Mexico snags the No. 5 spot among states with the most confrontational drivers. Fifteen percent of them report that another driver in their state followed them and then got out of their car to yell or fight with them.

Drivers from the Land of Enchantment were also third most likely in the nation to say that another driver has exceeded the speed limit to block their car from changing lanes (43%).

Nearly 1 in 3 respondents from New Mexico (32%) said they know of someone in their state who has become injured due to road rage.

The Rest of the Top 10

The following states rank Nos. 6-10 on the list of top 10 states with the most confrontational drivers, with total scores out of 100.

• Nevada: 89.66
• Maryland: 89.29
• Indiana: 89.1
• Washington: 88.91
• Delaware: 88.72

How Confrontational Driving Can Affect Car Insurance Rates

With nearly a quarter (22%) of respondents witnessing an accident caused by confrontational driving, it’s worth noting that road rage can exact more than a mental toll. A Forbes Advisor analysis found the national average car insurance rate increase is 45% after an accident with property damage and 47% for causing an accident that results in injuries.

If you’ve caused an accident, the best car insurance company for you will be one with more forgiving rates for a driving record with a recent accident. Car insurance companies assess risk differently, so how much your rate goes up after an accident or moving violation can vary from one company to the next. That’s why it’s wise to compare car insurance quotes if you’ve gotten a rate increase after causing an accident or getting a ticket.

Methodology

This online survey of 5,000 U.S. drivers who own a car (at least 100 in each state) was commissioned by Forbes Advisor and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected Aug. 17-26, 2022. The margin of error is +/- 2.2 points with 95% confidence.

This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the MRS and has a corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).

We scored each state based on these factors:

• Bumped, rammed into or otherwise damaged my car on purpose: 15% of score
• Followed me then got out of their vehicle to yell at or fight with me: 15% of score
• Forced my car off the road: 15% of score
• Pointed a gun at me or shot at me: 15% of score
• Cut me off on purpose: 10% of score
• Exceeded the speed limit to block my car from changing lanes: 10% of score
• Honked at me in frustration: 5% of score
• Made rude or offensive gestures at me: 5% of score
• Tailgated my car: 5% of score
• Yelled at me, insulted me, cursed at me or made threats: 5% of score