These are the Most Stressful States to Drive In, According to a New Study
From heavy traffic to natural disasters and fatal crashes, these states are putting the most pressure on drivers.
I think most of us have had at least one moment behind the wheel where everything just feels… stressful.
You’re stuck in traffic, someone’s weaving between lanes, and suddenly the weather turns on you. It’s a lot, and even worse if you happen to be in one of the 10 states in America with the angriest drivers.
And according to a new study by A1 Auto Transport, some states are significantly more stressful to drive in than others.
Researchers looked at three main factors: traffic congestion, fatal crashes, and exposure to natural disasters to create a “Driving Stress Index.” Using these data points, they ranked the most stressful states in the U.S.
Here are the top 10.
10. Michigan
Stress Index: 70.97
Michigan rounds out the list, but it’s still far from an easy place to drive. Between winter weather, busy highways, and over 1,000 fatal crashes in 2023, drivers here are dealing with a mix of conditions that can quickly turn stressful.
9. New Jersey
Stress Index: 71.10
No surprise here. New Jersey has some of the most congested roads in the country, with nearly 3,600 vehicle-miles traveled per lane-mile. That kind of density means constant traffic and very little room to breathe, which can cause anxiety to escalate quickly.
If I had to pick a most stressful state to drive in based on my personal experience, New Jersey wins by a long shot!
8. New York
Stress Index: 74.35
Between city congestion and busy interstate corridors, New York drivers are used to high-pressure conditions. Even with lower disaster risk compared to other states, the sheer volume of traffic keeps stress levels elevated and drivers on alert.
7. Ohio
Stress Index: 74.99
Ohio lands in the top 10 thanks to a combination of steady traffic, over 1,100 fatal crashes, and unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year.
6. Illinois
Stress Index: 77.72
Illinois drivers, especially around Chicago, deal with a mix of congestion, severe weather, and aging infrastructure. All of these factors add up to a more demanding driving experience, elevating stress.
5. Tennessee
Stress Index: 81.16
Tennessee might not seem like an obvious pick, but rapid growth in cities like Nashville has put pressure on road systems. Add in over 1,200 fatal crashes and regular severe weather, and it makes sense why it ranks so highly on the list.
4. Texas
Stress Index: 81.20
Texas stands out for one major reason: natural disasters.
The state has the highest exposure in the country, with hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash flooding all contributing to unpredictable driving conditions.
It also recorded nearly 3,900 fatal crashes in a single year, one of the highest totals nationwide.
3. California
Stress Index: 82.60
If you’ve ever driven in California, this probably isn’t shocking.
The state has some of the highest traffic congestion in the country, with more than 3,500 vehicle-miles traveled per lane-mile.
Combine that with thousands of fatal crashes each year, and it creates consistently high-stress conditions on the road.
2. Florida
Stress Index: 86.39
Florida’s driving stress comes from a mix of factors.
The roads are packed, fatal crash numbers are high, and there’s an added challenge: a constant flow of tourists who aren’t familiar with local roads.
Throw in hurricane season, and it becomes one of the most intense places to drive in the U.S.
1. Georgia
Stress Index: 88.31
Taking the top spot is Georgia.
The state combines heavy traffic, frequent natural disasters, and nearly 1,500 fatal crashes in a single year.
It’s that combination, not just one factor, that makes driving here feel especially demanding.
What Actually Makes Driving So Stressful?
One of the most interesting takeaways from the study is that driving stress isn’t related to just traffic. Yes, congestion plays a huge role (it accounts for 40% of the score), but fatal crashes and natural disasters also contribute heavily.
In some states, it’s constant gridlock. In others, it’s unpredictable weather, and in places like Texas or Florida, it’s both.
It also lines up with other recent driving data I’ve covered. Some states have more aggressive drivers behind the wheel, while others are dealing with costly rideshare prices that make skipping the drive less appealing, too. If you’re curious, I’ve also covered the states with the angriest drivers and the places where a 30-minute Uber ride costs the most.
These Are the 10 States Where You’ll Spend the Most on a 30-Minute Uber Ride
A new analysis found that a 30-minute Uber ride can top $50 in some states — and in a few places, the real sting looks even worse once local wages are factored in.
Read more: These Are the 10 States Where You’ll Spend the Most on a 30-Minute Uber Ride
The Angriest Drivers in America Live in These 10 States
A new study reveals where road rage is most common, and some of the top contenders might surprise you.
Read more: The Angriest Drivers in America Live in These 10 States
