BOSTON -- Charlotte, N.C., is ranked the safest city to drive in, according to a new survey, but Boston drivers are considered some of the rudest and most dangerous drivers.

RESOURCES Do You Consider Yourself A Rude Driver? Survey Results (PDF) All About Boston Drivers (PDF)

Anyone who spends much time behind the wheel in the United States will not be surprised to learn that a new survey finds drivers are becoming more aggressive and increasingly rude.

"A lady had a Jesus sticker on the back of her car and a small child in the seat and she flipped me off and honked at me and cut me off," motorist Lauren Benko said.

Everyone has a story about being cut off or cursed at -- some even own up to poor driving etiquette

"My husband is an aggressive driver. He likes to really ride people's bumpers," one woman said.

According to the survey, New York drivers are worst offenders -- tailgating and making rude gestures. But Boston drivers were not too far behind. Bay State drivers also scored low on safety -- 45 percent of drivers said they committed at least four aggressive driving acts in the month prior to being surveyed, and 21 percent have dozed off behind the wheel at least once.

Chicago motorists took top honors for unsafe driving. Everywhere, though, distractions are problem. About 65 percent of the drivers surveyed considered talking on the cell phone dangerous, but most still admitted to doing it.

"I have many times talked on my cell phone and have put makeup on in the morning -- cause of course I'm running late," another motorist said.

Women drivers are more likely to primp in front of the rear view mirror than men. Half of all motorists admit to dashboard dining, and a surprisingly large percentage actually owned up to falling asleep behind the wheel.

The survey was conducted by the steel industry, in an effort to convince the driving public that, on these mean streets, steel cars keep drivers safer.