The Most Level-Headed Drivers in America Are in These 10 States
We’ve all seen it: someone cutting across lanes, leaning on their horn, or losing their temper behind the wheel. A recent study by Malloy Law Offices confirmed what a lot of us have been sensing: road rage incidents have gotten more violent. Fatal shootings tied to road rage doubled between 2018 and 2023, and incidents involving gun violence are now happening nearly every day.
But not every state is full of hot-headed drivers. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), researchers created a “Road Rage Score” for each state based on six factors, including aggressive driving crashes, gun violence, and fatalities.
Here are the 10 states where drivers are the calmest and least likely to fly into a fit of rage.
10. West Virginia (Score: 26.40)
West Virginia’s winding mountain roads encourage a slower pace, and maybe a calmer outlook. While there are certainly challenging routes through Appalachia, drivers here generally don’t escalate into aggressive behavior. Fewer cars on the road compared to more urban states helps keep tempers in check.
9. Vermont (Score: 26.09)
Vermont is known for its small towns, rolling hills, and a “live and let live” attitude. Drivers here reflect that vibe. Even during ski season, when traffic backs up in resort areas, road rage remains relatively rare.
8. Alabama (Score: 24.90)
It might surprise some to see Alabama on this list, but the numbers don’t lie. Drivers in the state were found to have fewer aggressive driving incidents compared to much of the country. A mix of rural roads and Southern hospitality likely helps keep things civil.
7. Maine (Score: 24.62)
Despite being part of the often-hectic Northeast, Maine drivers are considerably calmer than their neighbors. The state’s slower pace of life extends to the highways, where you’re more likely to get a polite wave than a rude gesture.
6. Virginia (Score: 24.41)
Virginia has its share of busy highways, especially around Washington, D.C., but overall, drivers across the state keep their cool more often than not. Once you move away from the Beltway, open roads and less congestion make for smoother, less stressful driving.
5. Oklahoma (Score: 23.51)
With wide-open spaces and fewer traffic jams, Oklahoma drivers don’t experience the same pressure-cooker conditions that lead to road rage elsewhere. The slower rhythm of rural life plays a big part in keeping tempers under control.
4. California (Score: 23.01)
This one might shock people, given the reputation of Los Angeles traffic. But the study shows California as one of the calmer states overall. That’s likely because, despite congestion, incidents of extreme road rage, particularly those involving violence, are relatively low compared to other parts of the country.
3. South Dakota (Score: 22.09)
Whether you’re passing Mount Rushmore or cruising across prairies, South Dakota drivers tend to be courteous and level-headed. The Midwestern culture of politeness carries over onto the roads, helping this state land near the top of the list.
2. Wyoming (Score: 21.58)
Wyoming’s wide-open highways and sparse traffic create a natural buffer against road rage. With room to breathe, drivers aren’t battling the same bumper-to-bumper stress that sparks aggressive behavior elsewhere. The state’s small-town atmosphere also keeps driving culture laid-back.
1. New Hampshire (Score: 17.58)
Taking the crown as the calmest state to drive in is New Hampshire. Even though it’s part of fast-paced New England, drivers here are far less prone to outbursts. Lower population density, less gridlock, and scenic drives all contribute to a much calmer experience behind the wheel.
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