Driving in Italy

The following is information I just received about driving in Italy.  It was written a few years ago, but the general info, I believe, is still accurate.  Some of it is interesting.  Some of it, just downright HILARIOUS!  For example, "Hazards of the Road" and the last paragraph.  Now off to read the "official" driving rules and signs...

SPEED LIMITS: Speed limits in Italy are 130 kph (80 mph) on the Autostrada, 90 kph (55 mph) outside of cities and villages, unless posted, and 50 kph (30 mph) inside of cities and villages. These speed limits are the maximum allowed and, in many cases, are too fast for conditions due both to physical and environmental hazards, as well as the aggressive attitudes of Italian drivers. These three conditions have resulted in a high vehicle mishap rate.

 HAZARDS OF THE ROAD: The poor conditions of Italian secondary roads have resulted in many Americans being involved in mishaps. The typical Italian road is narrow, does not have a shoulder, and the edge of the road drops off into a ditch which is often filled with water. Most curves (many are extreme) are not banked and will have a large tree planted at the curve. Increasing the hazard are "curbies" on the side of the road; curbies are small concrete posts with reflectors that will flip your car over if you hit one. To make matters worse, Italy has many mountain roads that have extremely sharp curves and no guardrails. Watch out for and yield to buses going around curves on these mountain roads. You are highly encouraged to have your car’s brakes checked out before driving through secondary mountain roads. Tunnels through the mountains are not always illuminated; always turn on your headlights prior to entering a tunnel.

Italian roads are unforgiving. If you lose control of your vehicle and it leaves the road, your car will most likely be totaled.

DRIVING ATTITUDES: Italian drivers are extremely aggressive. It is quite common for a road marked as a two lane road to become a four lane road. Italian drivers will pass on blind curves so always look for an escape route as you enter a curve. At intersections with a traffic light, look both ways and proceed with caution, since it is not uncommon for a vehicle to run a red light. After driving in Italy for a while, Americans tend to pick up local driving attitudes with tragic results.

ITALIAN RULES OF THE ROAD: Prior to driving any vehicle, ensure that it is equipped with a warning triangle. You are highly encouraged to carry a first aid kit since Italy has a Good Samaritan law requiring you to aid an injured person in an accident. According to Italian Traffic Code, every driver involved in an accident that may have caused injuries or who comes upon an accident with injuries has two obligations: (1) The obligation to stop, and (2) the obligation to render aid to victims by transporting them to the nearest hospital, so long as this is reasonably possible. Failure to stop or failure to render aid are punishable by up to 12 months confinement and a fine of up to 2,000,000 lire in case of injuries. In case of property damage only, the fine will be up to 800,000, lire. Because of the potential for infection from blood-borne diseases (AIDS), we also recommend you ensure your first aid kit contains latex gloves.

Have you ever asked yourself why European-made cars do not provide any gadgets to hold your drinks? Well, the answer is that drinking soda or coffee, eating snacks, or changing the cassette or CD is something that you should never do while driving on Italian roads IF you want to stay alive! You must place 110% of your concentration on the road. The slightest distraction can cause you to lose sight of the road or the traffic, increasing your chances of having an accident.

 

The "P" sign refers to new drivers.  This is how you know to say away from them.  Bring it!