Walking in Rome – how to keep safe

We have all heard that drivers in Rome are a bit crazy. They appear to be quite proud of this fact and so, when walking on the streets of Rome, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

Here are some tips:

• • • • Crossing the road: It is always advised to cross the street where it is allowed, meaning you should always cross on the white stripes or at the traffic light. Do not cross randomly, you could get a fine or – worst – cause an accident!

        Some crossings have a display. The green pedestrian light at the traffic light means it’s your turn to cross. However, the green light lasts just a few seconds. Should you encounter the yellow light, you can still cross the street. The yellow light in Italy generally lasts longer than the green light (about 10 seconds). You can wait for the next green light if you do not feel comfortable, but if you decide to cross with the yellow light, do not hesitate and proceed at a fast pace.

        

        That is the theory, at least. Even when the light turns green, I have encountered some expressive motorists raising their eyes to the sky and gesturing with their hands as if they know I am not a local and so am fair game to be bullied out of their way.

        It could be that, having been brought up in the British Isles where once we are on a pelican crossing we assume that cars will always stop for the duration of the lights, we may show signs of hesitation. I have since adopted the belief that nothing annoys the Roman driver more than to see a tourist start to cross, think twice about it, stop still for a moment, then take a tentative step off the pavement and begin to cross with a fearful demeanour.  If the light is green for you, then it is best to get going and indeed cross the road with a confident gait!

        

        When there’s no traffic light, always look for the closest zebra crossing. When on a zebra crossing the pedestrians always have priority, just like at home. Drivers have no interest in hitting a person on foot, even if it appears to us visitors that they may want to do just that. We know it may look dangerous, because drivers do not always stop immediately when they see pedestrians are about to cross, and so you should always pay attention.

        First, be careful to estimate the speed that approaching drivers are doing and pick the right time to cross. Don’t jump in front of a fast vehicle making them brake fiercely. It’s important you maintain a constant walking speed once you are on the crossing as the drivers will estimate where you are likely to be on the road if you continue as you are. Vehicles will be adjusting their speed to yours. For this reason you should not hesitate and so don’t get scared if drivers keep going in front or behind you (especially motorcycles). It’s just a way that drivers in Rome keep the traffic flowing.

        I do remember being a little nonplussed when a taxi, turning to the right as I crossed the road at a junction, appeared to be following just behind me as I crossed. The white cab crept along behind me at an angle while I strode the last few steps to the opposite side. It seems that he was estimating I’d be out of his way soon and so allowing him to make the right turn!

        Another difference from the rules at home, is that parking up to a zebra crossing is allowed in Italy. Unlike in Britain, where zigzag lines indicate that you can’t park on the area before or after the zebra crossing, this doesn’t apply in Italy.

        I even found a zebra crossing near the train station this summer where people were unloading their luggage from a car parked squarely across the black and white lines. A few blocks further away, as I dragged my roller suitcase behind me, I came across a crossing that was being used as a parking space! The engine was off and there was no sign of a driver. I can’t believe that this is legal?

        

        When you get off the bus at the bus stop, never cross the street going in front of the bus. Wait until the bus has moved away. You may need to watch out for cars and motorcycles that are overtaking the bus as it sits at the bus stop. Not being aware and keeping your wits about you can be dangerous as the drivers and riders may not see you.

      • Motorist’s customs: In Italy, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. This is different from the UK, where motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. So take a moment to think about where you are as it is important to be aware of this difference when crossing the road or driving in Italy. Italians are passionate individuals and to us may appear to be aggressive and impatient drivers.
      • Walking on the pavement: In Rome, it is customary to walk on the right-hand side of the pavement which is similar to the UK, where people walk on the left-hand side of the pavement and stand on the right on escalators. Just remember to think that you are in Italy and need to follow this custom to avoid causing any confusion with the locals and to prevent accidents from happening.

I hope these tips help you stay safe while walking in Rome. One extra one that is often given with a smile to those planning a trip to Rome, is to try to find a nun to cross the road with. Supposedly, Roman drivers give these religious sisters a much easier time!

Have a great trip!

Coming soon on Amazon.co.uk – Andiamo! Lets Visit Rome