Colorado Ranks Fifth in Drivers with Worst Road Rage
Road rage has become alarmingly common in Colorado, posing significant dangers on the road, according to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
CSP Trooper Gabriel Moltrer revealed, “Just last year, we had over 55,000 CSP call-ins, and over 29,000 of those were road rage calls. This shows that many people experience road rage while driving.”
A report by Forbes Advisor ranks Colorado fifth among states with the worst road rage. The report found that 3% of Coloradans exited their vehicles to yell or fight, and Colorado ranks fourth highest in cutting off other drivers.
Kevin Bavor, a motor technician and traffic officer with the Grand Junction Police Department, explained, “It generally starts as an innocent mistake by one or both people involved. However, frustration, being late, or having a bad day can escalate the situation.”
Anger can impair judgment, leading to violence and serious consequences. “Nothing good comes out of road rage,” Bavor warned. “You’re looking at both parties potentially getting tickets, getting into a crash, having increased insurance rates, or ending up in a violent confrontation.”
Authorities suggest several ways to avoid confrontation: “If you notice someone trying to match your speed, avoid confronting them, making eye contact, or escalating the situation. Try to separate yourself as much as possible. Slow down if necessary and take an exit or pull onto the shoulder,” Moltrer advised.
Maintaining composure and letting go of the situation can lead to a better outcome. “Just drive safely, pay attention to others, and remember, we all make mistakes. Give grace to each other, which will help us become a better community and family here in Colorado,” Bavor concluded.
