Despite its reputation for being a laidback and outdoorsy state, Colorado has topped the nation in road rage, according to a new study.
A report released by Malloy Law Offices, based in Bethesda, Maryland, ranked Colorado as the most aggressive-driving state in the country. The study compiled data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to calculate a “Road Rage Score.” The score consisted of six different categories, including the number of incidents involving gun violence and the number of fatalities attributed to aggressive driving. Each category was individually weighed to determine a final ranking.
Colorado earned a score of 65.93, the highest in the U.S.
Factors Behind Colorado’s Road Rage Epidemic
According to Seann Malloy, managing partner of Malloy Law Offices, traffic congestion in Colorado, particularly in urban areas like Denver, plays a significant role in driver frustration.
“One major factor that might be driving this rage is traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas like Denver,” Malloy said in a press release. “This issue is worsening as the city gets bigger and more densely populated, leading to frustrated drivers battling bottlenecks on a daily basis.”
Colorado’s unpredictable weather conditions also contribute to driver stress. Snowstorms, sudden rain showers, and icy roads create dangerous driving conditions that increase the likelihood of accidents and frayed tempers.
Malloy also noted that the rise in overall stress levels among Americans, coupled with increased reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transportation options, might be exacerbating road rage incidents in Colorado.
A Rise in Violent Incidents
The study highlights a troubling increase in road rage-related violence across the state. In January, a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run in Commerce City, while a 30-year-old man was killed in a road rage incident on New Year’s Day in Westminster.
The study also cites past cases, including a Denver man sentenced to 10 years in prison for a 2020 road rage assault. Another high-profile case involved a 2023 road rage-related shooting on I-25, where charges were dropped after the incident was ruled self-defense.
Nationwide, the number of people fatally shot in road rage incidents increased from 58 in 2018 to 118 in 2023. Gun-related injuries linked to road rage incidents also surged from 160 in 2018 to 365 in 2023.
State Patrol’s Warning and Safety Measures
Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has urged drivers to avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, as interactions can escalate quickly. CSP’s official recommendation is to create space between oneself and the aggressive driver, avoid making eye contact, and report the incident through a hands-free device or have a passenger make the call.
According to CSP data, aggressive driving has led to an increase in fatal accidents in the state. Officers have been conducting increased patrols and awareness campaigns to combat the rising trend.
A Stark Contrast: Wyoming and New Hampshire Rank Among Least Aggressive States
Not all of Colorado’s neighboring states struggle with road rage. Wyoming, for example, ranked among the least aggressive states in the nation, with a Road Rage Score of just 21.58—the second-lowest in the country.
The study attributes Wyoming’s low score to its vast open spaces, limited congestion, and relatively low population density. Similarly, New Hampshire received the lowest score nationwide, with an overall ranking of just 17.58. The report suggests that states with fewer urban centers and less rush-hour congestion tend to experience significantly fewer road rage incidents.
Addressing the Issue: Possible Solutions
Experts suggest multiple strategies to reduce road rage in Colorado. Some of the proposed solutions include:
- Expanding Public Transit: Increasing investment in public transportation to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and lessen traffic congestion.
- Improving Road Infrastructure: Enhancing highways and urban roads to accommodate the growing population and ease bottlenecks.
- Stronger Law Enforcement Measures: Implementing stricter penalties for aggressive driving and increasing patrol presence in high-risk areas.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers on safe driving habits and conflict de-escalation techniques to prevent aggressive driving behaviors from turning violent.
Final Thoughts
While Colorado’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle attract millions of visitors and new residents each year, the growing issue of road rage presents a significant challenge. With the highest Road Rage Score in the nation, Colorado must address its traffic congestion, unpredictable weather conditions, and rising driver frustration levels to curb aggressive driving and prevent future violence on the roads.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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