Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy is an experience to be - survived.

We have now got used to driving on the left (well mostly). There was a day last week where I leapt into the car in a big hurry and got the fright of my life when I landed on Patch's laptop bag. My brain connected to the fact that I was in the wrong seat about the same time my butt connected with the (very sharp and uncomfortable) zipper on the bag. Luckily for both of us no physical damage resulted from our accidental meeting. Of course, until now Patch had no idea this had happened. I figured that since his laptop has worked fine ever since there was no need to mention anything ... I'll update you on any resulting damage if it does occur now he knows ;)

I know I mentioned that road signs are advisory only - and speed limits likewise - but plain good sense should tell anyone that tailgating another car at 130km/hr with less than a car length between you both is abhorently STUPID. Anyone who insists on getting that close to my backside requires a prior, personal introduction (and invitation) at the very least.

And thenwe have roundabouts - a fairly new concept for Italians. They have only used them here for about five years. I'm not suggesting they have no understanding of the concept of these (elsewhere) useful traffic control measures but I ask you - Where else in the world do you get a roundabout;

• in the middle of a large intersection controlled by traffic lights - and who the heck has right of way?????
• on a straight piece of two-way road, with no off roads????? One road in, one road out; no island between lanes to prevent anyone doing a u-turn anywhere along the road.

I think I have finally begun to understand a little about the driving psyche here in Italy. The rule is "If it is behind me it is not my problem". Another way to interpret this rule is "If you car is behind my car you are responsible for your own safety". What this means is that;

• if my car's bumper is in front of your car's bumper then I can move into your lane, with or without indicating, because you are behind me and therefore you are responsible to get out of my way.
• I can pull out of a carpark on the side of the road when ever I feel ready to move off, even if you are coming along the road behind me - because you are behind me and therefore you are responsible to get out of my way.
• if, whilst driving in the centre lane of a three lane road with a (recommended) speed limit of 130 km/hr, I choose to suddenly slow to 60 km/hr - and you are not allowed to pass on the right - then you'll have to brake very suddenly and not swing aound me but instead wait for the cars on the left to pass me first - because you are behind me and therefore you are responsible for your own safety.

Still - nine weeks in and another ten months to go before we have to sit our Italian drivers licence test. I figure I'll be so scared I'll be about ready to quit driving by then!