My Trick to Street Crossing and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

I've read two schools of thought here on VT for crossing streets.
1. Stare straight ahead and cross with authority, the motorists will yield.
2. Make eye contact with the drivers to let them know you are crossing.

I used both at various times. But my best solution was to find an Italian, cozy up close to them, and cross with no fear. Worked like a charm.

In our neighborhood of Prati, as long as you crossed at the lights there wasn't any problem. Unless you count the scooterists who whip around the corners oblivious to street traffic lights. I only made the mistake twice of trying to cross the streets where there wasn't any light. Second time scared me enough to put me back on the right path...

THE BIGGEST PEDESTRIAN NIGHTMARE: is pictured here. The dreaded Venezia Piazza. A billion lanes across with no traffic lights. Motorists show no mercy. I've seen pictures of this piazza with snazzy traffic cops upon a pedestal, but never in my several hair-raising crossings did I see one.

Leave a Comment