Driving in Naples: Some Initial Impressions
The style of driving in Naples is a lot like that in Bangkok...a dodge'em-like affair that makes driving in American cities look like a minuet at the Versailles palace. However here are some differences and particular qualities to their driving style:
1 The almost religious-like devotion to the power of the horn to avert certain tragedy. Exactly how the Italian drivers know which blast is directed at them--and their next move--is not clear. More on the use of horns below.
2 The ample evidence that the Italian drivers are, well, not very accomplished. A cars in the city, no matter how expensive and new, are riddled with the bruises of multiple collisions. Any ornamentation or mechanical that sticks out an inch is probably knocked off during the car's maiden voyage. A line of traffic looks like a collection of giant balls of aluminum foil tumbling and bouncing up and down the steep inclines.
3 Like the Thai, the Italians missed the memo that explains that motorcycles and scooters are two person sport vehicles. They take the whole family out for a spin on them in rush hour traffic without a helmet in sight. What better place to breast feed the bambino than a crowded, twisting cobblestone road at a 35 degree angle? Anyone want something to eat?
4. Here's the odd part: unlike the Thais who plow through a sidewalk full of pedestrians like a bowling ball heading for a split eagle, the Napolitano driver will actually make way for a pedestrian waiting beside the road....but only if that person shows the courage and confidence to step directly in the path of the tiny, battered vehicle whose driver signals his attention and intention to let you pass with a screeching blare of his or her horn while he or she uses the pause to light up a butt.
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