I've been told this a few times in the last months, while speaking with foreigners that had been here a couple of times.
I actually felt surprired at first, cos I had never heard what seems to be a "common knowledge" rather than a rumour, but then I recognized so many times I saw scared faces of tourist pedestrians...
So I decided to browse the net to hear some more on this, and I've found out a whole lot of funny phrases I'm quoting here:
Well, I have to admit that if you're shocked by this, then the title of this thread applies to me too - I'm half-crazy when I drive (especially my scooter)
I'd like to here your comments about this and maybe some stories if you have...
I actually felt surprired at first, cos I had never heard what seems to be a "common knowledge" rather than a rumour, but then I recognized so many times I saw scared faces of tourist pedestrians...
So I decided to browse the net to hear some more on this, and I've found out a whole lot of funny phrases I'm quoting here:
Italians drive like crazy
Road signs in Italy are no more than a decoration of the road. A stop sign will not be understood as an order to stop but rather as a suggestion to slow down a bit.
All roads may lead to Rome but not very many lead out.
Be ready for ANYthing to happen at any moment and you will be fine.
Be aware that in Southern Italy a turning signal means nothing, a lane marking means nothing, and a red light is a suggestion only. And if you drive into Naples, may God have mercy on your soul.
Scooters will drive you crazy with worry that you're going to run over them.
the rules of the road for the scooter are "motorbikes do not have to follow any traffic laws"
Lanes are not observed and scooters will weave in and out of traffic.
Italians drive like maniacs
In Italy, traffic laws exist only as tests of character and self-esteem. Stopping at a stop sign, for example, is prima facia evidence that the driver is, if male, a ****old
One-way streets in Italy are NOT one way - they have a lane for going the wrong way
In Milan you face death every 5 minutes
Treat Italy like a "driver's education" film - a car or pedestrian will jump out in front of you every few seconds
Driving in Naples is like riding dodgem cars
The chinks between cars are filled with hurtling motor scooters, each sounding its tiny horn, racing its motor. And the chinks between scooters are filled with bicycles
If you're a car passenger, just close your eyes and everything will be fine
To cross effectively, do what the locals do. Pick your spot and at the first break in the traffic, stride purposefully out, looking the driver of any oncoming vehicle squarely in the eyes.
Driving in Italy, in fact, is like playing an arcade game - a cross between Space Invaders and Formula One.
Italian men adore their cars a lot more than their wives and no one must ever dream of impeding their rapid progress through the crowded narrow streets
As a pedestrian, never cross a road at a zebra crossing unless there is at least a gap of 200 metres before the approaching car. It is perfectly all right to cross the road elsewhere, however, even if directly just metres in front of a motorist - he will swerve around you.
A senseless blowing of hooters is typical of Italian streets
Italians gamble with their lives
Italians have never been taught that there is actually a way to travel by motor car without it being a matter of luck as to whether you reach your destination in one piece or not
Wearing your seat-belt in Italy means you're a real wimp
Roundabouts are ruled by complete anarchy
Italians do the strangest things on the highway, including cars faster than you flashing their lights at you all the times, if they think you are not aware of their imminent impact and collision trajectory
Driving in Italy seem like a trial run for the next Grand Prix
When the lights turn green, the driver behind you honks his horn at you in less than one second
Italian two way streets feature an imaginary "middle lane"
Well, I have to admit that if you're shocked by this, then the title of this thread applies to me too - I'm half-crazy when I drive (especially my scooter)

I'd like to here your comments about this and maybe some stories if you have...