Revealed: Millennials Lead 51% of Road Rage Cases in the U.S

America’s roads are turning into battlegrounds, and Millennials are leading the charge.

A new study by Auger & Auger uncovers an alarming reality: Millennials account for over half (51%) of all aggressive driving incidents, making them the most dangerous drivers on the road today. Compared to Baby Boomers (4.2%), they are 1,114% more likely to engage in road rage—more than double the rate of Gen X (21%).

With rising traffic congestion, digital distractions, and urban frustration, road rage incidents are spiraling out of control. North Carolina now ranks 7th nationwide for aggressive driving, while South Carolina has one of the highest firearm-related road rage rates in the U.S.

Key Findings:

• Millennials (ages 28-43) account for 51% of all aggressive driving incidents, more than double the rate of Gen X (21%).

  -->

• Drivers aged 25-39 are the most likely to tailgate (66.7%), significantly increasing crash risks.

• Millennials are 63% more likely to honk in frustration compared to Boomers (42%).

• North Carolina ranks 7th nationwide for aggressive driving, with 54.5% of accidents linked to reckless behavior.

• South Carolina reports 2.08 firearm-related road rage incidents per 100K residents, among the highest in the U.S.

• Traffic congestion in Charlotte & Raleigh is worsening driver frustration, leading to longer commutes and increased aggression.

Road Rage by Generation: Who’s the Most Aggressive?

Breaking Down the Data

• Millennials (1981-1996) – 51% of all aggressive driving incidents. They are 1,114% more likely than Boomers to engage in reckless behaviors like tailgating, road rage honking, and speeding. 66.7% have been tailgated themselves, escalating confrontations.

• Gen X (1965-1980) – 21% of aggressive driving incidents. More restrained but still 400% more likely than Boomers to engage in road rage. Their top offense? Aggressive honking, reckless lane changes, and rude gestures.

• Baby Boomers (1946-1964) – 4.2% of aggressive driving incidents. The least likely to engage in road rage, Boomers rely on defensive driving and patience. Their most common frustration? Yelling, but rarely escalating further.

• Gen Z (1997-2012) – 23.8% of aggressive driving incidents. 467% more likely than Boomers to drive aggressively, their road rage behaviors include tailgating and cutting off other drivers.

• North Carolina’s roads are getting worse. Ranked 7th nationwide for aggressive driving, 54.5% of accidents are caused by reckless driving—congestion and infrastructure delays are fueling frustration.

Aggressive driving is no longer just road rage; it is a rising public safety emergency. 81% of drivers have been tailgated, and 54.5% of traffic accidents in North Carolina now involve reckless driving. South Carolina’s firearm-related road rage incidents are among the highest in the nation, turning everyday commutes into potential threats. With traffic congestion worsening and frustration escalating, the risk of crashes and violent encounters will only grow unless stricter enforcement and safety measures are put in place. Without action, more lives will be at risk.

Methodology:

• Consumer Affairs – Trends in aggressive driving behavior by generation.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Traffic fatality data and public health impact.

• AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index (2022) – Self-reported aggressive driving behaviors and risk factors.

• AAA Carolinas– Road rage, congestion, and safety trends in North & South Carolina.

• Everytown Research & Policy – Firearm-related road rage data, particularly in South Carolina.

The findings raise urgent questions about how rising traffic congestion, digital distractions, and urban frustration are shaping a more aggressive driving culture.

Story credit:  https://www.augerlaw.com/