Myrtle Claus
That Italian traffic guarantees the better living on the edge-feeling, turned out again the last article on this site. Every day, the moment you get in the car is the beginning of a new adventure, where your reflexes and alertness remain well trained without much effort.
But you can get used to even those adrenaline rushes. And what if you start to find the Italian driving experience in a city a bit too tame? Then there is only one solution: leave your car and continue on foot! To prepare for this a schedule to train your survival techniques.
Step 1: car-free zone
Nothing is more exciting than moving through an Italian city as a pedestrian. Build up the training slowly to get used to the traffic conditions. Start in the car-free zones where you can start quietly learning to jump in front of scooters that are not yet going full speed and the delivery vans of the shop suppliers.
Give yourself time to get used to the unexpectedness of their appearance. Learn not to stand still for fear when your body has to take action. It may seem like child's play, but a well-trained reaction time will soon be vital.
Stay calm and radiate confidence. In all circumstances.
Step 2: more traffic
The moment you notice that you can jump away smoothly, it is time for the next step: walking outside the car-free zones. This is like walking in the car-free zones in terms of traffic suddenly appearing from the left, right, front and rear. Only the speed of road users who are not on foot is higher and there are more. Much more.
Keep looking around you, keep your eyes and ears wide open, and at the same time don't forget to pay attention to the irregularities in the surface of the sidewalks you walk on. If there is a sidewalk. If you have to navigate between parked cars or scooters, look carefully to the left and right. Also keep an eye out for fellow pedestrians. At the same time, stay alert to the rest of the traffic.
Step 3: the zebra crossing
When you find yourself able to move through the traffic-filled streets with little effort and even notice the beauty of the buildings around you without causing a cacophony of hooting, yelling, and insults at your mother, Are you ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush in Italian traffic: the zebra crossing.
Zebra crossing: the beginner's mistake
In many European countries the zebra crossing, with or without a traffic light, is known as the area where the pedestrian rules traffic. In Italy – it will not surprise you – the situation is different. Crossing the street is unsafe everywhere, but especially dangerous on the zebra crossing. Don't make the rookie mistake of crossing over as you normally do, relying on the idea that 'they should stop here for me'.
Do not make an aggrieved face and do not make comments about the driving behavior of the car, bus, scooter, taxi or any other road user that almost drove you off your feet when you reach the other side in this way. It is a Wonder with a capital W if you managed to do it unscathed or worse.
Oh yes: also watch out for reversing cars, especially at zebra crossings!
Zebra crossing for advanced users
At the Italian zebra crossing, with or without a pedestrian light, you desperately need all the previously trained senses and practiced survival techniques. It is important to first look to the left, then to the right and finally to the left again. Repeat this until you are sure that no traffic is approaching in a circle of approximately 75 meters around you or that the traffic is really standing still because of a red traffic light for them (and then you still have to pay attention!).
Increase this safety distance to 150 meters when the zebra crossing is on a long straight road. Then heroically put one foot on the first line of the zebra crossing. Look around you again to convince yourself that no traffic is approaching or, despite red, is still moving. If so, pull your leg back and repeat the preparation.
If the coast is still clear, start crossing, don't saunter, but walk briskly at the same pace and radiate confidence. A lot of self confidence. Only in this way can you be sure that traffic that does show up one way or another will give you time to lift your heels before they impatiently move behind you.
The eternal ultimate kick
Have you reached the other side? Can you feel your heart beating, your blood rushing and the adrenaline rushing through your veins? Congratulations, you survived. You can now call yourself a full member of the Italian traffic.
But stay alert and continuously train your reflexes. Because unlike driving, walking through Italian cities continues to provide the ultimate kick at especially unexpected moments!
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