In a survey by AutoVantage released this week, Seattle drivers were rated as among the most courteous -- less likely to change lanes without signaling or swear at fellow motorists.

But many in this region say it's a reputation not always welcomed.

"There are many drivers who think that yielding right of way is always a courtesy, when in actuality it can be frustrating or even dangerous," said Dan Manville, 27, a library technician from Tacoma.

Leon James, a psychology professor at the University of Hawaii who studies driving, told Seattle pi Web site that's the worst form of passive-aggressive motoring, "The culture is kind of this childish, 'I'm going to stick by the book,' he said.

Passive-aggressive drivers, James said, pay attention to the cars ahead of them without concern for those behind.

The Web site says that this week, the Seattle man pulled out of a pet store parking lot and not only did cars in the first lane of traffic let him in, but cars in the second lane did, too.

Lyndsay Newton, who lived in Miami for four years, thinks Seattle drivers are more polite, in general, than their Miami counterparts. But also more oblivious.

It may be safer to drive here, but it's also more frustrating, the 31-year-old Seattle research scientist said. "Maybe they're crazy, (but) Miami drivers are more observant than Seattle."

As per a recent survey, drivers in Miami top national surveys for having the rudest drivers.