The Italian Zest for Life is reflected in their Auto Driving practices! :) 

Inside the mind of an Italian driver
Samantha Smith, Examiner.com September 6, 2-009 
Driving in Europe is different than in the States, and at first glance Italians can seem like the worst of the bunch. Statistics show they have the highest auto accident fatality rate in Europe (5,669 for 2006), and most Italians you ask probably know someone killed in an auto accident.
Indeed, in our four years of living here, our small community has seen five vehicle-related fatalities. But that still has not shaken my belief that Italians are skilled drivers who face a myriad of distractions and have a few bad habits.

First of all, driving in Italy and most of Europe for that matter, requires your undivided attention at all times as you struggle to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, motorcycles and other drivers that may come darting out at every turn. 

Driving is a serious undertaking that is not to be done while eating, drinking, changing the radio station, watching a movie or talking on your cell phone. Although there is no law against doing these things in the car (except the hands-free cell phone requirement), Europeans have purposefully kept their cars free of the distraction of cupholders and entertainment centers so loved by their American counterparts.

Italian drivers also have a few idiosyncrasies that take getting used to. For starters, they love to tailgate. For them it is not a violation of personal space but simply a way to demonstrate that you are going too slow and they'd like you to speed up. They are often flustered if you pull over and allow them to pass since they'd rather follow you. Besides, if they want to pass, they will, most often on a blind curve or a two lane road with oncoming traffic.

Most driving laws are not enforced by the police in Italy which leads people to try and get away with anything they can. For instance, even if you do have the right-of-way at an intersection, Italians will sense your hesitation and take advantage of you. They are impatient drivers and will honk if you are not fast enough from a light or while making a turn. And if you are a pedestrian, don't even try to wait for an Italian to stop for you to cross the street. The only way to get across is to boldly step out and hope for the best. As a friend once advised: "you've got to want it." 

Driving the Autostrada is yet another source of anxiety when driving in Italy. This is not the leisurely road-trip that most Americans are familiar with. Anxiety sets in as you struggle to stay focused in what feels like an intense race to the finish line as cars dash madly at speeds of up to 160 km (100 miles or so) an hour. Just be sure to watch your rear-view mirror carefully as black BMW's and Audi's appear out of nowhere (called macchine blu) and tailgate you at impossibly high speeds. Always pass on the left and immediately move over, because unless your name is Mario, you don't own the fast-lane. And remember, if there is one rule of the road in Italy, it's "the first one there wins."

http://www.examiner.com/x-13239-LA-European-
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