Car driving etiquette

[PennyAW]

We are picking up a hire car in Rome and then heading south. My husband would like to know any finer points of driving etiquetter, in particular useful hand signals, can anyone help?! (We have driven in Italy before...)

[Sebastiano]

Originally Posted by PennyAW

We are picking up a hire car in Rome and then heading south. My husband would like to know any finer points of driving etiquetter, in particular useful hand signals, can anyone help?! (We have driven in Italy before...)

does your husband usually use hand signals where you live?
i'm truly not being sarcastic but i remember years ago doing my driving licence in the uk and there was this extraordinary sign one could make (like making a sort of circle with your index finger etc) which apparently meant that you were or wanted to turn left, in reality i never saw anyone making this sign and certainly the only really useful ones are a single raised finger (which requires little explanation) or that good old two fingers in a v which is fairly international, for the rest the indicator lights appear sufficient

[PennyAW]

The fingers are probably what he had in mind, whether there were more local variations that could come in handy in any sticky situations.

[F Bower]

most importantly, as you are from the UK, do not think that flashing lights mean go ahead - they mean the opposite, I'm coming through so don't pull out. As a rule I NEVER in the UK or abroad flash my headlights for any reason. Driving round here, people are very positive and yet to a certain extent considerate - if you slow down and pull to the side driving slowly they will just go around you. But if you approach a junction hesitantly, they will pull out in front of you. Never make eye contact - but watch out of the corner of your eye and most of all beware of motorbikes - they may overtake or undertake you need to watch both sides. Happy driving - it really isnt as bad as people make out

[Ghianda]

Just remember that the car stuck to your rear bumper on the autostrada is doing that not because the driver hates you, it is just that is part of being Italian.

One positive on the autostrade here is that people actually pull back to the inside then when they have finished phoning their mates from the outside lanes.

Re hand gestures - here are a few to play with

YouTube - Italian hand gestures explained

Hope you have agreat trip.

[AllanMason]

I can't offer you any specifically Italian hand signals. I rarely feel the need for gestures when driving, but when I do, I just use the classic upraised middle digit. I have no idea whether it means anything to the intended recipient, but since it's mainly about making me feel better, it works fine.

A few small suggestions, most of which you're probably already familiar with, since you say you've driven in Italy before:

1) Pay attention to what's going on in your rear view mirrors only when you're about to change lanes or make a turn. Remember that if the car sitting a metre from your rear bumper hits you, it's his fault. Remember too that there's nothing you can do which will force idiots not to tailgate.

2) As F.Bower has said, bear in mind that flashing lights are an aggressive signal, not a cooperative one, in Italy.

3) Understand that when you are behind the wheel of a car in Italy, you are taking part in a road race with every Italian you come across. This explains the classic scenario where a driver overtakes you on a blind corner of a mountain road doing 80 kph, but five minutes later you pass the same car parked outside a bar where the driver is chatting to friends and enjoying a leisurely coffee. It's best for your mental and physical well-being if you simply accept that you will loose every race you're in and concentrate on getting from Point A to Point B safely.

4) As F.Bower has also implied, be aware that lane discipline is non-existent in Italy. Italian drivers will happily pass you to the left or to the right if it means they win the race.

5) Be prepared to see a lot of accidents. In the two and a half years I've been living here, I'm sure I've seen more smashes on the roads than I saw in all the 30 years I lived in Scotland. Pay no attention to what's happened when you eventually get to the mangled remains of machines and bodies; focus on your driving and avoiding all the idiots who slow down and weave over closer to better examine the carnage.

6) Be prepared for standards of driving to deteriorate as you head south.

Enjoy your trip.

Al

[Charles Phillips]

Originally Posted by AllanMason

6) Be prepared for standards of driving to deteriorate as you head south.

I beg to differ on this one point. Driving in Florence or Milan is far more stressful than driving in Cosenza or Palermo in my experience!

It's the law in Italy that driving on ANY extra-urban roads (in other words outside towns and cities) you must have dipped headlights on at all times. Remember to turn them off when you park, or you end up with a flat battery.

[Noble]

Quote...It's the law in Italy that driving on ANY extra-urban roads (in other words outside towns and cities) you must have dipped headlights on at all times.

The actual ruling is unnecessarily complicated, so it's not quite as clear cut as that Charles, so if in doubt, when on a dual carriage way put your headlamps on.

The "rule" to also remember is HE WHO HESITATES HAS LOST!

[i8blades]

i know i cant compete with you guys who live over there but i have driven to tuscany a couple of times and in my experiance the italians quite simply are the worst drivers ever and they are very good at it !
be prepared to have some idiot camped in your exhaust pipe when on on the motorway (while doinganything from 70-90mph)
but away from the motorway if you catch up with the nutter who was in your exhaust at say a 't' junction be prepared for a long wait,at least a 5 min gap in the traffic both ways before they will pull out
hope this helps

[Ghianda]

Also be prepared to be invited back to their house for a long lunch when they recognise you as the person they cut up. Welcome to Italy.