This is the Savvy Traveler, I'm Rudy Maxa. Last April, I mentioned that
I'd figured out why Italians - southern Italians in particular - have such a
huge love of life. It's because with the way they drive, their lives can
end at any moment. That observation was a result of a visit to Naples,
where a cab driver was puzzled AND offended when I fastened my seat belt.
Turns out that was junior varsity stuff. I spent last week driving along
the Amalfi Coast, where the narrow, twisting coastal road often forces you
to throw your car into reverse at switchbacks when a bus or truck is coming
against you. Seat belts, motorcycle helmets, restrictions against passing
on uphill curves . . . those things don't exist along the Amalfi Coast.
So I was surprised to learn that it's illegal in Italy to drive while
holding your cell phone to your ear. That's something still not banned in
the U.S., though I think it ought to be. More than once I've gabbed away
while driving, only to discover that I'd basically zoned out while talking.
My car might as well have been on auto pilot.
I never thought Italy would be ahead of us when it comes to the rules of
driving safely. But in this case, it's Italy one, the U.S. zero. Now . . .
if the Italians could just keep their free hand on the wheel instead of
using it to gesture so broadly while talking to passengers, I'd feel a whole
lot better sharing their roads.
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