North Carolina

Which states have the worst road rage in the US? Here’s where NC ranks, report says

Rush hour traffic is bumper to bumper in the north bound lanes of US 1, left, where it is reduced down to two lanes between I-540 and Durant Road on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 in Raleigh, N.C.
According to a recent report, North Carolina has some of the most confrontational drivers in the U.S. rwillett@newsobserver.com

Road rage incidents are increasing across the country, according to a new report, with some of the most confrontational drivers being in North Carolina.

After surveying 10,000 drivers, Forbes ranked each state to determine which is the worst for road rage based on a variety of factors, including the percentage of drivers who report other drivers for forcing them off the road, threatening them or yelling at them.

Of the top 10 states with the most confrontational drivers, four are in the South — with North Carolina not too far beyond, tied at No. 17 alongside New Mexico.

Road rage in North Carolina

  • Total road rage score: 69.12/100

  • Percentage of drivers forced off the road: 12.5%

  • Percentage of drivers blocked from merging or changing lanes: 31%

  • Percentage of drivers cut off on purpose: 43.5%

  • Percentage of drivers tailgated: 56.5%

  • Percentage of drivers insulted or threatened: 25.5%

The road rage across the state is only getting worse, the report indicates. In comparison, North Carolina ranked No. 3 in the 2023 report of the most confrontational drivers.

Across state lines, Virginia came in at No. 7 on the list “with a high number of drivers saying they’ve been forced off the road by other drivers,” the report says.

Here’s a look at how other states across the country compare when it comes to road rage incidents.

You can find Forbes’ full report outlining the states with the most confrontational drivers online at forbes.com.

Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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