I'd been wondering about this. Beyond all of the bad behavior, pedestrian and motorist alike, just the narrowness of Rome's streets seem like they present an inordinate amount of danger for those on foot. But I'd never heard the statistics, which are pretty daunting. You take a lot on faith when you walk down the street in Rome. I think I'll put a little of that faith into caution.
This is very interesting; I really like this kind of deep dive into narrow aspect of the culture.
It's appalling that 22 people have died crossing the street in Rome so far this year. But if you'd asked me out of the blue how many people I thought were mortally injured crossing the street in the city I'd have guessed even more (I've seen it happen first hand twice when I lived in the center).
Loved the statistics you provided, and they will prove very useful in conversations with my kids who long to own a motorino (and won’t receive one from me). Those zebra crossings always seem a mere suggestion to drivers, and I’m the one crossing over them and holding a forceful arm with an out-stretched palm showing all five fingers to indicate that drivers must stop or, at least, slow down! Maddening! I do find that the constant use of cellphones has made both drivers and pedestrians more distracted than ever and the reason for so many accidents in Rome.
The stats I mentioned pertain to pedestrians. The Rome "cronaca" sections of Italian newpapers are, alas, full of accounts about horrific motorino accidents. And, yes, stand on a corner somewhere and watch cars and motorini drive by and note how many of the drivers are using cell phones -- including while making one-handed turns. Scary. Another way to pass time while awaiting a bus is count how many cars go by whose drivers not passengers not wearing seat belts.
My rule in Milano has always been to only cross if you’ve made eye contact with the driver. Admittedly that’s almost impossible with a lot of scooter riders under their helmets.
I use that technique, too. Sometimes it works. I once was a good 30% across a pedestrian crosswalk, when a car came zooming towards the "striscia." Just missed me, as I stepped back in time. I yelled, the woman stopped and said, "Oh, I wasn't looking."
I'd been wondering about this. Beyond all of the bad behavior, pedestrian and motorist alike, just the narrowness of Rome's streets seem like they present an inordinate amount of danger for those on foot. But I'd never heard the statistics, which are pretty daunting. You take a lot on faith when you walk down the street in Rome. I think I'll put a little of that faith into caution.
This is very interesting; I really like this kind of deep dive into narrow aspect of the culture.
It's appalling that 22 people have died crossing the street in Rome so far this year. But if you'd asked me out of the blue how many people I thought were mortally injured crossing the street in the city I'd have guessed even more (I've seen it happen first hand twice when I lived in the center).
and the bicycles! hurtling down the sidewalks! I was always shouting at their aggressive thoughtless riders.
I am an expert pedestrian in Rome, but living in Venice really is a dream.
Loved the statistics you provided, and they will prove very useful in conversations with my kids who long to own a motorino (and won’t receive one from me). Those zebra crossings always seem a mere suggestion to drivers, and I’m the one crossing over them and holding a forceful arm with an out-stretched palm showing all five fingers to indicate that drivers must stop or, at least, slow down! Maddening! I do find that the constant use of cellphones has made both drivers and pedestrians more distracted than ever and the reason for so many accidents in Rome.
The stats I mentioned pertain to pedestrians. The Rome "cronaca" sections of Italian newpapers are, alas, full of accounts about horrific motorino accidents. And, yes, stand on a corner somewhere and watch cars and motorini drive by and note how many of the drivers are using cell phones -- including while making one-handed turns. Scary. Another way to pass time while awaiting a bus is count how many cars go by whose drivers not passengers not wearing seat belts.
My rule in Milano has always been to only cross if you’ve made eye contact with the driver. Admittedly that’s almost impossible with a lot of scooter riders under their helmets.
I use that technique, too. Sometimes it works. I once was a good 30% across a pedestrian crosswalk, when a car came zooming towards the "striscia." Just missed me, as I stepped back in time. I yelled, the woman stopped and said, "Oh, I wasn't looking."