Nevada ranks high for aggressive driving; traffic deaths double US rate

State’s high rate of fatal crashes, gun-related incidents pushes it into top tier, report says

By Jeffrey Meehan

Reno Gazette Journal

Nevada climbs into the top 10 for aggressive driving, according to a 2025 report from Consumer Affairs.

The report used crash data, traffic citations and gun-related incidents — including those resulting in fatalities — to rank states on road rage. It drew from 2023 crash and enforcement data and 2022—2024 gun-related traffic incidents.

Nevada’s high rate of fatal outcomes — despite fewer citations — placed it in the top 10 nationally, alongside states like top-ranking Louisiana and New Mexico.

Here’s where Nevada stands — and why it’s now among the worst for aggressive driving.

Aggression turns fatal on Nevada roads

The Silver State ranked ninth for road rage, according to Consumer Affairs — up from No. 12 in last year's report.

Consumer Affairs found that 27 percent of all fatal crashes in Nevada in 2023 involved aggressive or careless driving. Overall, nearly 31 percent of all traffic deaths in the state were tied to the same behaviors — about twice the national average of roughly 15 percent.

Nevada reported 0.51 gun-related traffic incidents per 100,000 people, above the national average of 0.42. Those numbers helped drive the state’s placement in the top 10. Citations for aggressive or careless driving dropped to 0.32 per 100,000, down from a statewide high in 2022.

A separate 2024 survey by Forbes Advisor, based on self-reported driver experiences such as tailgating and verbal altercations, ranked California highest for road rage. In contrast, Consumer Affairs’ findings, based on crash and enforcement data, placed California among the states with the lowest rates of aggressive driving outcomes.

How Nevada compares nationally for road rage, according to Consumer Affairs

Five of the 10 states with the highest road rage scores are in the West. None are located in the Midwest.

Top 10 states for aggressive driving:

—Louisiana

—New Mexico‘

—Colorado

—Arkansas

—Montana

—New Jersey

—North Carolina

—Hawaii

—Nevada

—Florida

What are the top 10 states with the least road rage?

These states reported the lowest road rage scores in the Consumer Affairs analysis, based on crash and enforcement data:

—Maine

—Iowa

—California

—Mississippi

—Utah

—Virginia

—North Dakota

—Nebraska

—Oklahoma

—New Hampshire

Tips for avoiding conflict on Nevada roads

Experts recommend preparing before tense situations arise and staying calm if targeted.

—Prepare ahead: Shift your mindset before hitting the road, especially in high-traffic areas, according to Ryan McDonald, a mental health counselor. Try viewing the drive as a chance to listen to a podcast, for example.

—Stay grounded: If you feel tense, focusing on your breath, music or “doing a quick five-senses check-in can help you calm your nervous system and stay in control,” McDonald said.

—Create space: “The best course of action is to distance yourself from the other driver,” said Nigel Tunnacliffe of Coastline Academy, a driving school. Don’t drive home if followed — head to a public place or police station.

—Report threats: If someone threatens or follows you, report it. Note details like vehicle description, license plate and behavior, said Lanny Tuchmayer, a traffic attorney.