Re: Alfa Museo and Driving in Italia

["Andrew Schwartz" <andrew_s_swartz@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Having passed driving tests in both Europe and the U.S. - I have to agree 
that the required driving standard in the US is woefully bad.  The minimum 
test length in Britain is 45 minutes, here my Mass license look me 5 
minutes.

When I lived in Rome, I learnt the secret of Italian city driving - you have 
to focus on the cars IN FRONT OF YOU.  Everyone does this and disregards the 
cars behing them - it is their responsbility to watch you.  That's why what 
looks like chaos can actually work.  Try that in an American city and you'll 
be in an accident in 10 seconds - different rules of engagement.

While their city driving is fun and skillful, and 'when in Rome do as the 
Romans do',  but if you are driving on the Autostrada in Italy - don't 
always follow the Italian lead especially in bad visibility or fog.  
Italians will continue to do 150 kph regardless of the fact they can't see 
in front of their nose.  I've seen some very nasty accidents that have 
happened because of this.  An Italian girlfriend explained it originates 
from the Italian male sense of indestructiveness (witness Valentino Rossi).

I never made it to the Alfa Museo - but sounds like I'll definitely have to 
plan a trip when I'm next in Milano.

Andrew Swartz
'67 Duetto
Brookline, MA


> Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2003 13:19:58 -0700
> From: George Graves <gmgraves@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: Alfa Museo and Driving in Italia
>
> Overall, I have to agree with you about driving in Italia. Offhand, I'd say 
> that from my experiences, the average woman driver in Italy is far more 
> competent behind the wheel than are 95% of American male drivers. Our 
> Sears-Roebuck method of licensing drivers coupled with TOO MANY laws and a 
> general paranoia with regard to traffic cops, makes Americans really timid 
> behind the wheel in my humble opinion
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