After several recent weeks in Italy, driving close to 4000 kilometres, on business then a most welcome holiday, I saw only a single crash, and that was but a minor bump. Given the severe winter weather and the unbelievably-crowded roads we experienced that lack of any real incidents was most impressive.
On my return to Australia I said to several people that I reckoned the Italians are among the best drivers in the world. Sadly, it didn’t come as a surprise when some people disagreed with me. Quite angrily at times, saying Italians were dreadful drivers, too fast, unpredictable, impatient and erratic.
I say ‘sadly’ because almost without fail I’ve found that those who don’t drive well themselves, and who have been to Italy, think the Italians get it all wrong.
Conversely, good Australian drivers, while often taken aback by Italian driving when they first come across it, are full of praise once they suss out what it’s all about.
What it’s all about is being completely aware of what’s happening around you at all times, keeping the traffic flowing smoothly and cooperating closely with every other road user.
Italians are fast and decisive, making room for others and showing immense tolerance of those who come up with some clever lateral thinking in ways of achieving the above.
The only thing the Italians can’t stand is indecision. Make any move in a positive manner, do it quickly, and they will forgive you almost anything. Dither around and they get impatient. They will allow you as much as a second to make up your mind, after that stand by for a cacophony of vigorous horn blowing. The answer is simple: if you’re not sure what to do – do something. And sort things out later…
By the way, don’t be distracted by the tens of thousands of scooter riders that will surround you in Italy. Scary as it may seem they make their own way in the traffic independently of everyone else. Leave the riders alone and they won’t hit you. Seeing them missing your car by a couple of millimetres makes your heartbeat rise to the heavens the first few times, but you will get used to it.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do – in the literal sense of that old saying. You may find it on the fearsome side at first, especially if, heaven forbid, it’s your first time driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.
But, once you do become accustomed to the Italian way of doing things it all makes a huge amount of sense. That is, if you’re a good driver – the ball’s in your court, let me know how you go!
ewan@marque.com.au
